Vase - Lacquer - Japan - Black Lacquer - Toba Konin - Toba Shitsugei (No reserve price)

This Japanese lacquer vase exemplifies the refined artistry characteristic of Toba Konin's work and the traditional lacquer techniques of Toba Shitsugei. Lacquerware involves applying numerous coats of sap from the lacquer tree to wooden or other substrates, resulting in a durable, glossy surface prized for both decorative and functional objects. In Japan, black lacquer has a long history, often serving as a backdrop to reveal intricate gold, silver, or colored designs, although some pieces emphasize the depth and sheen of the black finish itself. Toba Shitsugei references a lacquerware tradition centered around Toba City in Kyoto Prefecture, famed for its high-quality craftsmanship and subtle aesthetics. Lacquer vases like this also capture the cultural significance of nature and elegance within Japanese art, often designed to harmonize with Ikebana flower arrangements. As both practical art and collectible object, this vase represents an enduring legacy of Japanese lacquer techniques that blend utility with visual sophistication.