An antique wooden plate decorated with a honey bee flying near a wisteria vine in Takamorie Maki-e by Kosai signed on the base in red lacquer and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Fuji Zu Kashiki. It is 23 cm (9 inches) diameter, 3 cm (just over 1 inch) tall and in excellent condition.
Kōsai is an artist skilled in techniques such as maki-e and tsuitai-shitsu associated with the Ikokusai lineage of Hiroshima. Works bearing the name are commonly seen in objects such as trays, tea utensils (including chago and bowls), and confectionery vessels. Kosai is connected to the school or circle of Ikokusai, closely associated with Hiroshima lacquer traditions, including the Shikindō studio. Characteristics of works signed “Kōsai”. Works are known for the wide range of lacquer techniques employed, including tsuitai-shitsu (carved layered lacquer built up from multiple colors), maki-e (designs painted in lacquer and sprinkled with gold or silver powder), mori-urushi (raised lacquer for relief effects), and the use of colored lacquer. Common themes include auspicious and nature-based subjects such as peonies, butterflies, grapes, phoenixes, and cranes.
