Lot Essay
While the extensive use of shell inlay might suggest a connection with the tradition of lacquer decoration founded by Hon'ami Koetsu (1558-1637), the figural character of the design probably explains James Orange's attribution to Yamamoto Shunsho (1610-82). Shunsho was known not only as a lacquerer but also as a poet, calligrapher and book-illustrator. In 1650 he did a set of illustrations for a woodblock printed edition of Genji monogatari [The Tale of Genji] [see 1 below]. Although this box is unsigned, the Shunsho signature is often seen on later lacquers with designs taken from woodblock prints and illustrated books [see also lot 581].
1 Murasaki Shikibu, The Tale of Genji (trans. E.G. Seidensticker; London, 1976), illustrations, passim.
1 Murasaki Shikibu, The Tale of Genji (trans. E.G. Seidensticker; London, 1976), illustrations, passim.