An incense case of layered lacquer carved thorugh in the design of a flower by Living National Treasure Otomaru Kodo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Tsuishitsu Kogo Hitsuji Gusa (Water Lilly Carved Lacquer Incense Case).It is 6 x 6 x 2.5 cm (2-1/4 x 2-1/4 x 1 inches) and in excellent condition, carefuly preserved in a fine silk lined pouch, the original singed box in turn enclosed in a lacquered outer box (Niju-bako).
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.
