Korin maki-e mokusei kashibon

Candy tray decorated with ancient symbols of power

Ancient symbols of power are scattered on the surface of a natural rough wood. Designs include mother-of-pearl and lead magatama beads, a silver mirror with gilt calligraphic designs, an engraved spear head, the gilt head of a staff, and more. The collector's box is titled Kōrin maki-e mokusei kashibon (wooden sweets tray decorated with lacquer designs in the style of Kōrin). A spectacular work of art combining the magnificent technique of Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716) and the appreciation of wabi-sabi in the degraded wooden surface.

The magatama (曲玉 / 勾玉) is a characteristic ornament, initially, of the protohistory of Japan. Its shape evokes a pierced fang, a bear claw, a comma, a 9 or sometimes a fetus. It is usually made of amber, stone, jade or even glass.