“Abundance Treasure” Suzuri-bako (Inkstone box)

This is a work that pays tribute to Shibata Zeshin (1807~1891), who is known as the "First Master of  Japanese Lacquer Art". Shibata Zeshin  was a versatile artist who was highly appreciated by the Japanese royal family during his lifetime and was awarded the title "Imperial Artisan", which is equivalent to the status of present day’s "National Treasure". Takeshi Wakamiya and his team of Hikoju Makie reinterpret Shibata Zeshin's maki-e version with the theme of “Abundance Treasure”, using various techniques of “Kawari-nuri”  to express these auspicious patterns.