Japanese Gilt Lacquer Box with Raised Gofun Floral Decoration (Kinsai Kusabana-mon Bako)

Story

Centuries of Kyoto artistic heritage converge in this glowing, jewel-like vessel. Kyoto artisans developed the gofun-moriage technique to give flat surfaces three-dimensional life, allowing petals to bloom outward from a field of pure gold leaf.

Maker / Origin

Crafted in Kyoto, the cultural heartland of Japanese traditional crafts, this piece emerges from a lineage of specialized workshops (shokukata). Artisans in Kyoto master single techniques over decades—whether preparing the paulownia wood frame, laying thin leaves of real gold leaf, or carefully layering shell powder paste layer by layer to sculpt delicate flower petals.

Condition & Value

The box appears to be in exceptional, near-pristine condition with no visible cracking to the delicate gofun relief or flaking on the gold leaf finish. The original wooden storage box and wrapping cloth have protected it beautifully. Excellent condition commands a significant premium for delicate relief works.