Description
This item is a set of four Japanese lacquerware small dishes. Each dish has a different design depicted with the Makie (蒔絵) technique. The Makie is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1,200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. Also, the surface of this lacquerware is decorated with the Nashiji Nuri (梨子地塗) technique. It is a kind of Makie method. This surface treatment method creates a rough texture by creating fine unevenness on the surface of the metal. They also come in varying degrees of gloss, including glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. According to a theory, it was invented in the Kamakura (鎌倉) period (1185-1333), and in the Edo period, various techniques were devised to color the products. These techniques make a gorgeous and elegant look to works, as seen in this lacquerware set.
Regarding the design, you can see various plants, and what looks like a family crest made up of stick-like objects on each dish. It is called the Genji-ko Zu (源氏香図). Genji-ko is one of the Kumiko (組香), which is a game in which several different types of fragrances are sniffed out. It was an elegant game closely connected with literature, in which fragrances are arranged according to the subject matter of Waka poems or stories. The most representative example is Genji-ko, which was popular during the Edo period. Genji-ko is a set of 25 packets of five different types of incense, each made up of five different types of incense, mixed together, with five of the packets being burned and smoked. The 52 patterns of names created by the combination of these lines are called the Genji-ko Zu, which is based on the 54 chapters of the Genji Monogatari (源氏物語, The Tale of Genji), a classic of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century during the Heian period (794-1180). It is said to be the world’s oldest long novel and is considered one of the three great classics of the world. Scenes of the Genji Monogatari have been used as a popular motif in various kinds of works since ancient times. This story depicts the lives of noble courtiers during the Heian period. The protagonist is Hikaru Genji, who was born the second son of the emperor. The story also focuses on Hikaru Genji’s love life and describes the customs of the aristocratic society of the time. On each dish, the plants and motifs related to each chapter might be depicted.
A: The theme might be the Utsusemi (空蝉), the 3rd chapter of the Genji Monogatari. Utsusemi is the name of a woman with whom Genji once falled in love when he was a teenager. She is described memorably as the first woman to reject Hikaru Genji. On this dish, Aoi (葵, asarum caulescens) is also depicted. It is a plant in which each stem branches and has characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word “Aoi” is taken as “Aogu (仰ぐ, looking up)” for the sun, people thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.
B: The theme might be the Yugao (夕顔), the 4th chapter of the Genji Monogatari. The Yugao is a flower of the gourd (瓢箪, Hyoutan/Hisago). The chapter is about a beautiful woman living in a house where the flower bloomed. It is also said that people enjoyed viewing the flower at night during the Heian period.
C: The theme might be the Sakaki (賢木), the 10th chapter of the Genji Monogatari. In this chapter, the death of Hikaru Genji’s father, the Emperor Kiritsubo, and the disclosure of Genji’s secret meeting with Oborozukiyo are described. It seems the plant depicted on this dish is Kiri (桐, paulownia). According to a tradition, Houou (鳳凰, Fenghuang, a kind of sacred beast) rests its wings at the paulownia tree; therefore, it has come to be regarded as a holy plant, and this plant pattern was once used by the imperial family and national leaders of the time. Today, this plant pattern is used as the crest of the Japanese Government.
D: The theme might be the Eawase (絵合), the 17th chapter of the Genji Monogatari. This chapter depicts a picture-contest being held at court on a glorious spring day. Also, on this disg, Sakura (桜, cherry blossom) is depicted. Cherry blossom is one of the seasonal things of spring, and it has been loved for a long time in Japan. One theory says that the god of grain exists in cherry blossoms. Therefore, this flower pattern has been treated as the symbol of a plentiful harvest. In ancient times, people held a traditional custom under cherry blossom trees to pray for a bumper year. It is said that this is the origin of the cherry blossom viewing picnic today.
E: The theme might be the Minori (御法), the 40th chapter of the Genji Monogatari. In this chapter, Hikaru Genji’s beloved wife, Murasaki no Ue, dies of illness, and Genji is described as being in a state of extreme grief. Also, a butterfly-like motif is depicted on this dish. People preferred the butterfly pattern due to its growth process, beauty, and auspiciousness among the various animal patterns. A larva becomes a chrysalis, and it grows up into a butterfly. Since this insect changes its looks, it symbolizes being reborn. In this way, butterflies are seen as symbols of human life, death, and resurrection and are said to house the souls of the dead.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
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Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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