A large Black-lacquer lobed octagonal kashibako (ceremonial food container) and coverBy Kimura Hyosai, Taisho (1912-1926) or Showa (1926-1989) era, early 20th century
Finely lacquered in gold and iro-e takamakie-e, hiramaki-e and e-nashiji with swirling squares of brocade enclosing assorted foliate and geometric motifs on the lustrous black-lacquer ground, the design extending over the sides, the inside of the box and lid red-lacquered with kasumi (hazy mist) partly obscured by bands of clouds rendered in gold togidashi maki-e, with a removable integral tray embellished with an identical design, the underside of the box signed in gold lacquer Hyosai tsukuru (Made by Hyosai); with a wood tomobako inscribed inside the cover Makuro-nuri retsumoyo uchigasumi maki-e jikiro (Black lacquered maki-e ceremonial food container with designs of brocade outside and mist inside) and signed Shissho Hyosai (Lacquer Craftsman Hyosai) and sealed Hyosai. 21.5cm x 31.5cm (8½in x 12 3/8in). (4).