Description: This piece is a minimalist black-lacquer Japanese carrying basket, crafted with a quiet, modern sense of refinement. The form is simple yet deliberate: a rectangular body with softly rounded corners, finished in a smooth, matte-to-semi-gloss black lacquer that gives the surface a gentle sheen. The walls rise cleanly without ornamentation, emphasizing the purity of the shape and the natural beauty of the lacquer itself. A distinctive feature of the basket is its angular handle. Instead of a curved or traditional arched form, the handle rises in a straight, rectangular frame with subtly rounded edges, creating a striking contrast between the geometric line of the handle and the rounded basin below. The handle is integrated directly into the sides, giving the entire piece a unified, sculptural feel. The simplicity of the design suggests a contemporary interpretation of classic kago-style lacquer containers, often used for carrying or presenting small items in tea gatherings, seasonal displays, or interior decoration. Its understated black finish makes it versatile—equally suitable as a functional vessel or a display object. Artist: Suzuki Hyōsaku 鈴木 表朔 (Second Generation) 1905–1991 Suzuki Hyōsaku II was born in Kyoto in 1905 (Meiji 38). His real name was Teiji, and his haigo (art name) was Teiji as well. He learned lacquer techniques under his father, the first Hyōsaku. In 1926, at the age of twenty-one, he began his creative career after being selected for the Shōtoku Taishi Hōsan Exhibition. In 1934 he exhibited works in the Ryūkei-ha Kōgei Exhibition, producing pieces that reflected the new artistic trends of the time. He continued to submit works to the Kyoto Art Exhibition (Kyōten), the Teiten (Imperial Art Exhibition), and the Bunten (Ministry of Education Exhibition). In 1937, at the age of thirty-two, he was awarded the Silver Prize at the Paris International Exposition. In 1978 (Shōwa 53), at the age of seventy-three, he took part in the “Contemporary Craft Artists Exhibition” and held a commemorative solo exhibition titled “Fifty Years with Lacquer.” In 1981 (Shōwa 56) he also held a seventieth-birthday commemorative solo exhibition at Takashimaya in Kyoto. He passed away in 1991 (Heisei 3).