A fine lacquer box in pale colors by Goto Jotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Urushi-ita Togidashi Maki-e Kobako, Shuyo (Autumn Sun). It is made in an unusual technique of over-laying strips of dried lacquer onto the surface and polishing smooth. Each strip is unique, some containing crushed powdered shell or precious metals such as gold. The box is lined inside with soft suede. It is 22.5 x 10 x 7.5 cm (9 x 4 x 3 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Gotō Jotaro was born in 1942 in Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture, one of the three great lacquerware centers of the prefecture and home to the celebrated Yamanaka lacquer tradition. Coming from a family that for generations had dedicated itself to lacquer artistry, Gotō inherited both the skill and spirit of the craft from his grandfather and father, who were themselves accomplished lacquer masters. With this foundation, he achieved repeated success in juried exhibitions, being selected for the Ishikawa Prefectural Traditional Lacquerware Exhibition as well as numerous shows devoted to lacquerware and maki-e. His mastery was formally recognized when he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, confirming his standing as a bearer of Japan’s distinguished lacquer traditions.
