Japanese Master

Incense Shelf. Ujibashi ni Tsuki Sagi Zu Kōdana

Description

A rare and exquisite kōdana (incense shelf) masterfully decorated in the maki-e lacquer technique, delicately illustrating the iconic Uji Bridge beneath a full moon, with herons in flight among reeds and rippling waters. The panoramic scene, rendered in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e against a rich nashiji ground, evokes the atmospheric beauty of classical Japanese literature and painting traditions. The surface details—scalloped clouds, delicate plum blossoms, and the gentle arc of the bridge—are highlighted with sprinkled gold powders and subtle inlays.

The form features a rectangular top and shelf, raised on uprights above a cabinet with double-hinged doors. Elegant bronze fittings and handles accent the front, and each panel is individually decorated with landscape vignettes unified in composition. Customary footed base and accompanied by a wooden storage box.

Private collection, Japan
Private collection, Zürich, Switzerland

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Japanese Master
Incense Shelf. Ujibashi ni Tsuki Sagi Zu Kōdana