Description
This Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Kinkaku-ji Box by Zohiko dates to the late Meiji period, circa 1910. Of rectangular form with rounded corners, the box (known as a kōbako 香箱 in Japanese) is decorated in gold and silver lacquer with a detailed view of Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, set beside the Mirror Pond and surrounded by pine trees and distant hills.
The scene is worked using hiramaki-e and takamaki-e, with the architecture, pine foliage, rocks and landscape picked out against a rich nashiji ground. Fine gold lines describe the rippling surface of the water, while a low yukimi-dōrō lantern appears at the front right and a taller pedestal lantern stands behind the pavilion, adding depth to the composition.
The box is finished with a fitted silver rim to the cover and base. The nashiji decoration continues across the interior, while the underside is signed with the Zohiko (象彦) studio mark incorporating the elephant emblem.
View the full Japanese collection.
MEASUREMENTS
4cm High x 13cm Wide x 10cm Deep (1.57 x 5.12 x 3.94 Inches)
CONDITION
Very good antique condition
What is Maki-e (蒔絵)?
Maki-e, literally meaning “sprinkled picture,” is a traditional Japanese lacquer technique where fine metallic powders, predominantly gold and silver, are sprinkled onto wet lacquer using bamboo tubes or delicate brushes to create intricate designs before the lacquer cures.
What is Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺)?
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Celebrated for its top two floors covered in gold leaf and topped with a bronze phoenix finial, it remains one of Japan’s most iconic architectural landmarks and a classic motif in decorative arts.
Who was ZŌHIKO (象彦)?
Zōhiko is a historic Kyoto lacquerware house established in 1661 by Kusunoki Jirōbei. Serving as official suppliers to the Imperial Court, the studio became famed for its exceptional maki-e craftsmanship, adopting the Zōhiko name under the 8th-generation master, Nishimura Hikobei VIII, who incorporated the stylised elephant (zō) studio seal.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Zohiko.
What is Hiramaki-e (平蒔絵)?
Hiramaki-e, or “flat sprinkled lacquer,” is a technique where metallic powders are applied over a freshly painted lacquer design, polished smooth, and sealed with a thin coat of clear lacquer. This produces a flat, flush decorative surface used for fine architectural lines and delicate details.
What is Takamaki-e (高蒔絵)?
Takamaki-e, or “raised sprinkled lacquer,” is a high-relief technique where the artisan builds up elevated areas using a mixture of charcoal powder, clay, or lacquer substrate before applying metal powders. This creates a tactile, three-dimensional effect used to emphasize foreground elements like rocks, tree trunks, and terrain.
What are the Lanterns (Ishi-dōrō) Depicted?
Yukimi-dōrō (雪見灯籠): A low “snow-viewing” stone lantern designed with wide, umbrella-like roofs and curved legs, traditionally positioned along water edges to catch snow and reflect light off the pond.
Kasuga-dōrō (春日灯籠): A tall pedestal stone lantern resting on a column base, used in traditional Japanese gardens to mark pathways and add depth within background foliage.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences.
Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com.
With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee.
We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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