芦図蒔絵硯箱 c. 1910s

natural stone pattern

3d printed part

virtual 3d design

japan

geometric pattern

abstract pattern

3d shape

metallic object render

layered pattern

metal texture

mechanical engineering model

This is a Japanese *maki-e* inkbox from the early 20th century, created by Kamisaka Sekka, one of the most prominent Japanese artists of the time. This intricate box, measuring 6 1/4 × 6 7/8 × 9 3/4 inches, is made of wood with a brown lacquer base and decorated with a *maki-e* design. The golden *maki-e* depicts a delicate arrangement of bamboo leaves, a recurring theme in Japanese art. This is one of the many pieces in Sekka's work that showcases his signature refined and elegant style.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

This lacquered box with a decorative reed design functions as storage for calligraphy utensils. The stalks meander around the box and overlap on the lid. The design is crafted in the maki-e technique by applying gold powder on the drawing in damp lacquer contrasting with the mother of pearl inlays, which are mounted in slight relief and give the surface a three-dimensional structure. The black lacquered interior has an insert furnished with a silver water dropper and a rubbing stone for ink, decorated in the same color as the surface of the box and embellished with gold.