Not currently on display at the V&A

Lacquer Design

ca. 1910-1933 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

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.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Ink and light colour on paper
Brief description
Design for a lacquer cigaraette box, ink and light colour on paper, brushwood on two boats, Japan, early 20th century.
Physical description
Design of two boats with brushwood on stylised waves in ink and light colour on paper with the outline of a cigarette box superimposed over the central part.
Dimensions
  • Height: 39.1cm
  • Width: 27cm
Styles
Subject depicted
Summary
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.
Collection
Accession number
FE.23-2008

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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