Iwakura Ryusai Lacquer Koma (Spinning Top) Incense Box, Box Inscribed by Horiuchi Sokan

A lacquered kogo (incense container) in the shape of a koma spinning top by Yamanaka lacquer artist Iwakura Ryusai, with a box inscription by Horiuchi Sokan of the Omotesenke Horiuchi house.

Iwakura Ryusai was born in 1926 in Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture. He first worked under the name Ryukoho and adopted the name Ryusai at sixty, exhibiting at the Kyoto Traditional Crafts Festival. The Horiuchi family are senior teachers in the Omotesenke tradition, and a box inscription from the head of the house marks a utensil as suitable for formal tea. Koma tops, which spin true and steady, are an auspicious motif.

Details

• Artist: Iwakura Ryusai (岩倉隆斎)
• Box inscription: Horiuchi Sokan
• Form: koma (spinning top) incense box, lacquer
• Size: approx. 8.5 cm diameter × 2.8 cm high
• Box: wooden box
• Condition: new

Watch: how Yamanaka lacquerware is made

A TEWAZA craft film showing Yamanaka lacquerware wood-turning and lacquering, from Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• One of a kind. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Urushi lacquer is durable but dislikes direct sun and very dry air; care notes are included.