The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove Maki-e Jubako Picnic Set - Container - Laquered wood

【Important notes】

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【Product details】

This set includes two tin flasks by by Suzuya Hanbei (錫屋半兵衛), a flask holder, a tray, a container, a four-tiered stacking box (Jubako) with a lid, and a carrying case with a handle. All items fit neatly into the elegant carrying case. The set also comes with its custom wooden box.

Apart from the tin flasks, the items feature a Nashiji ground with makie designs of bamboo, pine, turtles, paulownia leaves, chrysanthemums, and scenes of Chinese figures and houses. Small gold leaf squares provide additional accents. Bamboo symbolizes resilience and flexibility, pine trees represent longevity and endurance, turtles are symbols of good fortune and longevity, paulownia leaves signify nobility and good fortune, and chrysanthemums denote rejuvenation and longevity.

The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove (Chikurin no Shichiken) refers to a group of seven intellectuals and scholars who lived during China’s Three Kingdoms period, spanning the transition from the Wei to the Jin dynasty. They sought to escape the constraints of worldly affairs by gathering under a bamboo grove, where they indulged in literature, enjoyed wine and music, and engaged in refined philosophical conversations.

The bottom of the tin flasks bears the mark of Edo-period tinsmith "Suzuyahanbei." The "Naniwa Kaomono Dokuanai" mentions the signboard of "Manzoku Saikisho" in Osaka from 1846 (Koka 3), which featured shops of Suzuyahanbei (Suzu-Han) and Suzuyashinbei (Suzu-Shin). Suzu-Han is known for bottle craftsmanship, while Suzu-Shin for sake flasks.

The set shows signs of wear consistent with age, including scratches, stains, discoloration, and lacquer chips and cracks. The stacking box has some lifted lacquer. Please refer to the photos for detailed condition.

Dimensions: approx. H 31 cm W 31 cm D 17 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!