Japanese Lacquer Maki-e Plate of Takasago Story

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A large circular plate with a short stem base in Vermillion lacquer color from Late Meiji Period circa end of … Read more A large circular plate with a short stem base in Vermillion lacquer color from Late Meiji Period circa end of 19th century to early 20th century. The surface was decorated with a very fine maki-e picture that depicts Takasago story. The legend is one of the oldest Japanese mythologies and is associated with a couple and an old pine tree.
At Takasago Shrine there is a very old pine tree, the trunk of which is bifurcated; in it dwells the spirit of the Maiden of Takasago who was seen once by the son of Izanagi who fell in love and wedded her. Both lived to a very great age, dying at the same hour on the same day, and since then their spirits abide in the tree, but on moonlight nights they return to human shape to revisit the scene of their earthly felicity and pursue their work of gathering pine needles. His pine tree is called “The Pine of Suminoe” while hers is "Takasago pine". The couple is always depicted with a broom to sweep away troubles and a rake to rake in good fortune." Takasago couple is associated with wedding ceremony as they invoke a long and fruitful married life for the newlyweds.
The gold Maki-e decoration is well composed with fine elaboration. Hiramakie-e and Takamaki-e, as well as fundame and Kirigane, were all used to their maximal potential to create the fine details and rich surface texture. It was not made to be used apparently but a pure decorative piece, likely for the luxury export market. With all the rims in gold fundame, the base of the dish also features a fine rendition of a pine branch. A beautiful example of late Meiji lacquer art. See less