24482 Living National Treasure Otomaru Kodo (lacquered gentian incense holder (with dry lacquer incense tray, made in 1993, exhibited at a solo exhibition))

Incense holder

Height 1.6cm

Diameter 6.6cm

Fascinated by the works of Tamakaji Zoukoku, a lacquer carver from the end of the Edo period who is considered the father of modern lacquer art, he learned the techniques of lacquer art on his own and was recognized as a Living National Treasure for revolutionizing lacquer art in Japan. This is a masterpiece that boasts an overwhelming performance.

Carved lacquer: A technique in which various types of colored lacquer are applied dozens to hundreds of times to create layers of colored lacquer (100 applications make a layer about 3mm thick), and the layers are then carved down to create a pattern. The contrast between the three-dimensional effect of the carving itself and the changes in color that occur depending on the depth of the carving creates a unique beauty. This technique was introduced to Japan from China during the Muromachi period, and Tamakazo Zoukoku, who excelled in carving techniques, devised his own carved lacquer technique to create his works. Layers of only vermilion lacquer are called tsuishu, and layers of only black lacquer are called tsuikoku. Today, with the development of pigments, a variety of colored lacquers are used.

It is clear that this masterpiece, created in 1993, was created in the final years of his career. Gentian flowers, which bloom from September to November, are carved into it.