SIMON PILLING
My business deals in fine Japanese Art and specialising in urushi (Japanese lacquer) – from Japan’s pre-modern period through to the 21st-century. Particular emphasis, however, is placed on 20th-century artistic development and the work of contemporary artists, whose dedication ensures the continuation of Japan’s quintessential lacquer arts.
Simon Pilling East Asian Art & Interiors PO Box 834 Rickmansworth WD3 0RA
Simon Pilling Phone +44 (0)7946 577303 Email simon@simonpilling.co.uk Website www.simonpilling.co.uk
THE ART OF DISPLAY Traditionally in Japan, life was separated into ‘extraordinary days and ordinary days. Extraordinary days were those of festivals, auspicious events and ceremonies; ordinary days were for mundane work. Many of the objects in this exhibition are pieces that were created for extraordinary days, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary through design. A number celebrate food – an aspect of Japanese society that has come to epitomise our view of the singular Japanese devotion to raising everyday events to a level of an artform, in harmony with the seasons. Some pieces give a sense of occasion to the act of writing and artistic creativity. It is my hope that the examples in this exhibition will stimulate the viewer’s imagination, and although the objects relate to a distant society, perhaps unlock personal memories, and invoke a sense of wonder in their relevance to universal values.
During Asian Art London, 29 October – 4 November, exhibiting at: St. George Street Gallery, Ground Floor, Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond St London W1A 2AA Opening Hours: Tues 29th October – Fri 1st Nov: 09.00-16.30 Sat & Sun 2nd & 3rd November: 12.00-17.00 Mon 4th November: 09.00-20.00 (Late Night Opening)
STANDING TRAY
SHOSHU – Early Autumn
by Bison 美村
Showa period, 1930s
Gold & silver maki-e, coloured lacquers
45.5 (dia) x 12 (h) cm.
Signed. Signed tomobako
STEM TABLE
takatsuki
by KAMISAKA Sekka
(1866-1942) and
KAMISAKA Yukichi (1886-1938)
Taisho/early Showa period, 1920-30
Gold makie
35.5 (dia) x 21.3 (h) cm.
Signed and sealed lacquered tomobako
FOOD SERVING DISH
by MIZUUICHI Kyohei
(1909 -2001)
Showa period, 1930s
Coloured lacquers, maki-e techniques
33.5 (dia) x 14 (h) cm.
Signed. Signed and sealed tomobako
SMALL TRAY
bon
by IKEDA Taishin
(1825-1903)
Meiji period, late 19th Century
Gold, silver and coloured lacquers
17.5 x 17.5 x 2 (h) cm.
Signed. Signed tomobako
INCENSE TRAY
kobon
by OTOMARU Kodo
(1898 -1997)
Showa period, 1960s/80s
Carved coloured lacquers, choshitsu technique
Pearl inlays
29.7 x 29.7 x 2.7 (h) cm.
Original silk pouch
Signed. Signed and sealed double tomobako
TRAY
SILVER WAVE
by BANURA Shogo
(1901-1982)
Showa period, c. 1960s/70s
Gold & coloured lacquers, silver leaf inlays
40 x 24.5 x 5
Signed. Signed and sealed tomobako
FOOD PLATTER
by KADO Isaburo 角偉三郎
(1940-2006)
Showa period, 1980s
Kiri wood, paulownia, with lacquer finish
51 x 26.5 x 5 (h) cm.
3-star signature
ORNAMENTAL BOX
tebako
by ONISHI Tadeo
(1918-2007)
Showa period, 1960s/70s
Coloured lacquers with carved panel, choshitsu
27.5 x 33.5 x 10.5 cm.
Signed. Signed and sealed tomobako
CALLIGRAPHY BOX
shikishibako
by Mokubei
Showa period, 1960s/70s
Carved lacquers, choshitsu
30.2 x 27.5 x 5 cm.
Sealed furoshiki, wrapping cloth
Sealed. Signed and sealed tomobako
FLOWER VASE
by NOZAWA Tokushu
Showa period
Lacquer, take-nuri
Copper liner
15 x 15 x 36 (h) cm.
Inscribed and sealed tomobako
