A VERY RARE GOLD LACQUER ‘TENNIN’ KOGO (INCENSE BOX)

拍品描述

A VERY RARE GOLD LACQUER ‘TENNIN’ KOGO (INCENSE BOX) Japan, 17th century, late Momoyama (1573-1615) to early Edo period (1615-1868) Of square form with rounded edges, bearing a finely sprinkled gold ground and superbly decorated in gold, silver, red, and black togidashi-e on an additional central kinji ground. The inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid features a central mirror-shaped reserve with a tennyo (heavenly maiden) among lotus flowers, emerging from a misty wisp, flying and holding a scepter. Various celestial instruments are shown surrounding the central panel including a biwa, koto and drums. The underside and interior are finished in nashiji. Mounted with pewter rims, as is typical for early lacquer kogo. SIZE 2.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 cm Tennin (apsara in Sanskrit) are celestial beings in Japanese Buddhist and Shinto traditions, rarely depicted in lacquer art. These graceful, ethereal figures symbolize divine beauty, purity, and spiritual elevation. Often portrayed as unnaturally beautiful women wearing elaborate, colorful kimono, they are draped in flowing feathered scarves known as hagoromo, which signify their supernatural nature. Tennin are frequently shown with lotus blossoms, symbolizing enlightenment, or playing musical instruments like the biwa or flute, embodying their role as messengers of the divine. Their rarity in lacquer art makes their appearance in this work especially significant. Auction comparison: Compare a related early lacquer kogo, dated 17th century, at Christie’s, Crafted Landscapes: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Lacquer and Asian Works of Art, 1 October 2020, New York, lot 18 (sold for USD 5,250 or approx. EUR 5,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

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