Suzuki Shōei 鈴木松栄 (*1945)

The gold-lacquered tea caddy by Suzuki Shōei features a delicate motif of fireflies in reeds. This specific work highlights the extraordinary precision and artistry of the maki-e technique.

The primary motif depicts fireflies flitting among tall reeds, a scene rendered with stunning detail and elegance. The reeds, finely drawn with thin lines of gold, rise gracefully around the body of the tea caddy, creating a sense of movement and natural beauty.

The fireflies are the focal point of this design, meticulously crafted to showcase their ethereal quality. The bodies of the fireflies are highlighted with gold, capturing their luminescent nature. However, the wings of the insects are a remarkable feature of this piece. These wings, painted with black lacquer on a black lacquer background, are almost invisible at first glance. It is only when the caddy is viewed at the right angle under the correct lighting that the wings become visible, thanks to their three-dimensional appearance. This subtle detail demonstrates the artist's masterful control over the medium, creating an illusion that brings the tiny insects to life in a very realistic manner.

The overall effect is one of delicate interplay between light and shadow, enhancing the dynamic nature of the scene. The gold-lacquered tea caddy is not only a functional object but also a piece of art that captures the fleeting beauty of nature with exceptional skill.

Suzuki Shōei was born in Kanazawa in 1945. He studied under Nishimura Shōitsu, one of the most representative Kaga Maki-e lacquer artists.

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