A spectacular Lacquer Kazari-bako box covered in powdered silver over which are spilled vibrantly designed Hanafuda playing cards dating from the Taisho period and enclosed in a fine red-lacquered wooden storage box signed Hakuo and sealed Iriyama-no-in. A large silk chord which billowing tassels binds the lid of the box. It is 25.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 cm (10 x 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches) and is in overall fine original condition, with toning to the lacquer and silver typical of a century of exposure.
Iriyama Hakuo, (1904-1991) is an important figure in 20th century Japanese lacquer Design. He was born into a family of lacquer artists in Shirone City, Niigata Prefecture, and began his formal education in lacquer training at the age of 15. In 1926 he moved to Tokyo, and in 1928 enrolled in the lacquer arts department at Ueno Art School (now Tokyo University of the Arts). His work was exhibited while still a student, and his graduation work received the highest honor. In 1934 he travelled to Korea to study ancient lacquer techniques and held two solo exhibitions there. He prepared lacquer works (jewel cabinet, chrysanthemum maki-e incense burner, flat tea caddy, and medium tea caddy) for Empress Teimei at the Omiya Imperial Palace in 1934. His work would go on to be exhibited and awarded at the Nitten National Exhibition, where he was a consistent contributor until 1950, when he withdrew rom the world of public spectacle. Over the years, he held more than 30 solo exhibitions at major department store galleries (Kintetsu, Isetan, Odakyu, Daiwa, Tokyu), Shiseido Gallery, Keidanren Hall, American Club, and others.
