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Design for lacquer
Koda, Shuetsu, born 1881 - died 1933 - Enlarge image
Design for lacquer
- Place of origin:
Japan (made)
- Date:
ca. 1910-1933 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Koda, Shuetsu, born 1881 - died 1933 (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Ink and light colour on paper
- Museum number:
FE.32-2008
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This is one of a set of 17 design drawings on paper in the museum's collection for various lacquer objects by Koda Shûetsu (1881-1933). These are either for a writing box (suzuribako) or for a cigarette case. In a Japanese book devoted to his drawings and lacquerwork, the range of object types and designs are far more extensive including, for example, sake cups and items of Japanese furniture. They are interesting not only as drawings but as design drawings that give an insight into the workings of Koda Shûetsu.
Koda Shûetsu was born Koda Kaichiro but adopted the name Shûetsu out of admiration and respect for Hon'ami Kôetsu (1558-1637). Kôetsu, a potter, lacquerer and calligrapher, is considered one of the instigators of an art movement and style that later became known as Rinpa. In the field of lacquer, Kôetsu pioneered an innovative style that used relatively simple black and gold lacquer techniques, together with inlaid mother-of-pearl shell and base metals. The influence of Rinpa and Kôetsu in particular can be seen in many of Shûetsu's drawings and lacquerwork.
