Hara Yoyusai, Koetsu copy, Maki-e Gyounmon Zen

Hara Yoyusai (1769-1845) was a maki-e artist active in the late Edo period.

▶️For more information about Hara Yoyusai, click here.

The late Edo period saw the development of all manner of techniques for maki-e and lacquer art, and an era in which exquisitely intricate styles, almost as if competing with one another to show off their skills, were in vogue. Amidst a somewhat suffocating trend toward excessive decoration, Yoyusai's maki-e gained popularity for its refined style.

He is also known for making tea ceremony utensils for the great tea master Matsudaira Fumai.

He was particularly skilled in Rinpa-style maki-e, including works using sketches by Sakai Hoitsu. His works, with their excellent design and clear, stylized designs against a clean black lacquer background, are characteristic of Yoyusai.

This piece is a kaiseki meal with a depiction of flowing clouds against a black lacquer background.
Although the title is "Gyokuunmon" (Floating Cloud Pattern), it can also be seen as a flowing water pattern. If you look closely at the pattern, you will see that the upper left is black lacquer, the right is gold maki-e (gold lacquer), and the bottom is silver maki-e (silver lacquer). The combination of these three colors is a skillful expression that brings out the depth of the Gyokuunmon (Floating Cloud Pattern).

At the bottom right of the tray is the inscription "光悦写 羊遊斎（Koetsu-utsushi Yoyusai）." Perhaps because the design was kept as simple as possible, the inscription by Yoyusai is so understated that it can only be seen in different lighting conditions, thanks to the use of black lacquer.

Koetsu, the founder of the Rinpa school, was also an artist who excelled in maki-e (gold-lacquered porcelain). While paying homage to Koetsu, the piece also reflects the trends of the late Edo period, when more delicate and refined techniques were required.

We have 10 in stock, but we will sell them individually.
All of them are in similar condition, with some signs of use and minor repairs and damage here and there, but they have been carefully repaired and are in very good condition overall. It is clear that they have been well-used.

Its width of 33.5cm makes it just the right size to hold a mukozuke or sake bottle. The glossy black lacquer and elegant design will complement any piece of pottery or porcelain, adding a touch of elegance to it.

As the saying goes, "flowing clouds and flowing water," this meal is designed with maki-e (lacquerware) to depict the ever-changing state of nature, like clouds and water, giving it a refreshing feel.

[Responsible for: Mao Otsuka]

※Only 4 left