A beautifully understated wooden confectionery tray by Living National Treasure Otomaru Kōdō, enclosed in its original signed wooden box dating to circa 1965 and titled Kiji Kashi-bachi. Turned from a single piece of wood, the broad shallow form is left almost entirely undecorated, allowing the warm color and gently flowing grain to become part of the composition. Near one side, a diminutive frog is delicately carved in low relief, poised with its legs gathered beneath it as though about to leap from the otherwise empty surface. A restrained touch of gold highlights the body of the frog, drawing the eye toward this tiny interruption in the expanse of natural wood. Particularly appealing is the contrast with Otomaru's celebrated work in elaborate carved lacquer: here the virtuosity is reduced to a single, quietly observed creature and an exceptionally simple form. It measures 27 cm (10-5/8 inches) in diameter and 3.5 cm (1-3/8 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
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.
