{"product_id":"carved-lacquer-tea-container-by-lnt-ー音丸-耕堂-堆漆四つ葉文茶入","title":"Carved Lacquer Tea Container by LNT ー音丸 耕堂 “堆漆四つ葉文茶入”","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptionally refined carved-lacquer tea container by Living National Treasure Otomaru Kōdō, accompanied by its silk shifuku pouch and original signed wooden box, itself enclosed within a fitted red-lacquered nijū-bako outer box. The softly squared vessel is covered in warm ivory lacquer and decorated with repeating four-leaf motifs cut through numerous laminated layers of dark brown and pale lacquer, the concentric lines revealed by the carving giving each leaf an extraordinary sense of depth. Small gold crosses articulate the centers of the leaves, while the fitted amber-brown lid carries a single circular blossom carved in the same layered technique. The restraint of the palette belies the remarkable complexity of the tsuishitsu technique, in which accumulated layers of differently colored lacquer become the material of the decoration itself. Both intimate and technically virtuosic, the piece exemplifies Otomaru's transformation of traditional carved lacquer into a distinctly modern form. It measures 9.5 x 9.5 x 5.2 cm (3-3\/4 x 3-3\/4 x 2 inches) and is in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtomaru 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Otomaru Kodo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51622625444087,"sku":"K1309","price":855800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2026-03-1613.52.21.jpg?v=1793327046","url":"https:\/\/kuramonzen.com\/products\/carved-lacquer-tea-container-by-lnt-%e3%83%bc%e9%9f%b3%e4%b8%b8-%e8%80%95%e5%a0%82-%e5%a0%86%e6%bc%86%e5%9b%9b%e3%81%a4%e8%91%89%e6%96%87%e8%8c%b6%e5%85%a5","provider":"Kura Monzen Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}