Takai Tairei. Accessory Box (Tebako) with Rock Lobster and Seashells. about 1912-26. Lacquer, porcelain and shell on wood. Sam F. and Freda R. Davis Charitable Trust. 2011.283A-B.

height: 4 in, 10.1600 cm; width: 8.75 in, 22.2250 cm; depth: 10.75 in, 27.3050 cm

Tairei

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

Accessory Box (Tebako) with Rock Lobster and Seashells by Taikai Tairei (1881-1971) Japan, Nara or Osaka about 1912-26, Taisho period Lacquer, porcelain and shell on wood Funds from the Sam F. and Freda R. Davis Charitable Trust 2011.283a,b Taikei Tairei used a wooden box to suggest the weathered appearance of a decayed boat. He ornamented the box with a rock lobster made of raised lacquer (taka makie) and other sea creatures created from glazed porcelain and actual seashells. He continued the theme of sea life on the back of the lid with depictions of seaweed. To form the box, Tairei used ancient wooden boards taken from Toshodaiji, a temple in Nara. This suggests that he first worked around Nara although he later moved to Tokyo.

At least 2011, Kaigedo Japanese Art, Seattle WA, acquired in Japan at unknown date; 2011, DAM collection, museum purchase.