An exquisite tray lined with silk covered in genuine gold flakes lacquered black on the outside and decorated with chrysanthemum dials in powdered gold and silver by Suzuki Hyosaku enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 45.5 x 33 x 6 cm (18 x 13 x 2-1/2 inches) and is in overall excellent condition, with very minor wear on the base typical of use.
Suzuki Hyōsaku I (1874–1943) was born into th Inoue family in Azumigawa Town, Shiga Prefecture, his given name was Sutekichi. He became the adopted son-in-law of the maki-e lacquer artist Suzuki Nagazane, upon which he took the name Suzuki Hyōsaku. He mastered kyūshitsu (the art of refined lacquer coating) under Kimura Hyōsai II. In 1904 (Meiji 37), he was awarded Fourth Prize at the Shin-Kobijutsu Exhibition. In 1909 he was entrusted with lacquer work for the sacred treasures of the Ise Grand Shrine. In 1913 he was tasked with creating the decoration of the Takamikura throne and other imperial accoutrements enthronement of the Taisho Emperor at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. In 1916 he was appointed as an official artisan to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He became a member of the Katsumi-kai in 1919 and in 1923 was again commissioned to work on the sacred treasures of the Ise Grand Shrine. He was the father and teacher of important 20th century lacquer artist Suzuki Masaya.
