An extraordinary carved and colored lacquer jubako box set by Living National Treasure Otomaru Kōdō, complete with its original fitted wooden storage boxes. The extensive set comprises five square stacking boxes, two interchangeable lids and a separate raised serving stand, allowing the boxes to be arranged either as a single imposing stack or divided into smaller groups. Against expanses of lustrous black lacquer, Otomaru has carved luxuriant bands of seasonal flowers and foliage—chrysanthemums, hibiscus-like blossoms, berries and grasses—picked out in deep green, vermilion, ochre, yellow and russet lacquer. The two lids are particularly elaborate, their circular black centers surrounded by densely carved flowering plants against patterned grounds, while the edges are bordered by a restrained geometric fret. The same decoration continues around the sides of each tier and across the stand, where deeply carved blossoms and leaves frame the pierced handles. Rich in color and remarkably sculptural in execution, the set demonstrates Otomaru's distinctive expansion of the Sanuki carved-lacquer tradition, using differences in depth, texture and colored lacquer to give the decoration an almost three-dimensional presence. The stand measures 31.5 × 31.5 x 10.5 cm (12-1/2 x 12-1/2 x 4-1/8 inches); the five boxes stacked with one lid measure approximately 24 x 24 x 45 cm (9-1/2 x 9-1/2 x 17-3/4 inches). All are in excellent condition.
Otomaru Kodo (1898-1987) was a distinguished Japanese lacquer artist renowned for his mastery of choshitsu (carved lacquer) techniques. Born in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, he began his apprenticeship under Ishii Keido in 1910 and, from 1914, independently studied the works of Tamakaji Zokoku, a pioneer of Sanuki lacquer art. In 1921, Otomaru co-founded the art group Kofukai with metalcraft artist Osuga Takashi and others, actively participating in exhibitions. His work gained significant recognition in 1932 when he was first accepted into the Imperial Art Exhibition (Teiten), leading to regular displays in subsequent exhibitions. In 1942, his carved-lacquer piece, "Cosmetic box with moon-flower design," received a special award at the 5th New Ministry of Education Art Exhibition; this work is now part of the Takamatsu Art Museum's collection. Otomaru's innovative use of rich colors set his work apart. While traditional lacquerware primarily utilized vermillion, black, yellow, green, and brown, he introduced new pigments to achieve a broader spectrum of hues, enhancing the expressiveness of his designs. In recognition of his contributions to Japanese crafts, Otomaru was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) in 1955, specifically in the carved-lacquer division. That same year, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Japan Kōgei Association, further influencing the development of traditional Japanese crafts.
