Szilágyi András (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 24. (Budapest, 2006)

New Acquisitions 2004-2005 (Mónika Bincsik, Emese Pásztor)

round. Its shape is emphasized with concentric channels; the round bottom of the cup fits into the slightly indented innermost channel. The whole surface of the saucer is coated with red lacquer. On the roundish body of the cup the transitions of the red and black lacquer layers recall the hues of the first blush of dawn. The fine polishing results in a special effect that makes the viewer think that the red colour of the saucer is reflected on the convexity of the totally black cup. The set contains a coffee-spoon as well; it is decorated with a painted ring of black lacquer. The modern, subtle forms and the ingenious colouring were produced with the application of traditional techniques and materials. 3. Box for documents / paper (ryöshibako) H: 4.7 cm L: 26, W: 21 cm Inv. no.: 2005.3.1 The box serves as a container of paper or documents. Its wooden body is undercoated with several lacquer layers. The decorative motif was cut into the uppermost shiny black layers (roiro lacquer) with a nibbed tool, and then special lacquer was applied into the incisions. Gold powder or gold-leaf was rubbed into the motif while the lacquer was still wet (that is, had cohesive power). Thus the golden coloured motif is distinctly outlined on the shiny black surface. The technique (chinkin) is of Chinese origin. It came into usage in Japan in the 15-16th century; the most famous areas of production are Ryükyü and Wajima. The chinkin technique requires highly accurate execution, since the incisions (just like the sprinkled gold powder in the case of maki-e) are difficult to correct. The motif on the lid (dandelion seeds flying in the wind) is a modern interpretation of the ancient symbol of fertility and good fortune. The black and gold composition of fine lines, which is highly similar to a painting, is completed with the signet of the workshop, applied in red lacquer. 4. Large negoro lacquer bowl (Ö-wan) H: 10 cm D: 17.7 cm Inv. no.: 2005.4.1 The wooden body of the large bowl was lathed; it is the arched protrusions and incurvations on its side that create the refined rhythm of the outline and, as it were, set the red lacquer surface into motion. The simple and practical shape follows ancient models. The negoro lacquer technique evolved before the 16th century, in the Negoro monastery in Wakayama province. Essentially, it was used for producing monks' vessels and household utensils. Later it became widespread almost in the whole country; several contemporary sources make men-