Japanese Tin-Rimmed Pine and Plum Maki-e Lacquer Kōgō (Incense Box)

Story

Forged during the turbulent dawn of the Japanese tea ceremony, this 16th-century incense box was treasured by legendary lacquer master and collector Iwao Ikeda. Its tiny frame encapsulates the profound wabi-sabi aesthetic favored by medieval tea masters.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned—typical of medieval Japanese master lacquerware—this piece comes with prestigious collection history, formerly in the personal collection of celebrated lacquer artist and scholar Iwao Ikeda (1940–2020) and published in foundational literature on tea lacquerware (Cha no Shitsugei).

Condition & Value

Displays honest age-appropriate wear consistent with 16th-century medieval lacquer, including slight surface patina, minor rubbing to the gold maki-e, and gentle oxidation on the tin rim. It retains its custom fitted storage box (tomobako/outer box) and silk shifuku pouch, which significantly supports its preservation and value.