Kobayashi Shomin (小林尚珉) (1912–1994) and Kobayashi Hideo (小林英夫) (b.1951), Japanese

A Lidded Box with Mandarin Duck Design

Showa Era (1926 – 1989) or Heisei Era (1989–2019)

About the work

This refined lidded box harmoniously combines the work of two accomplished artists. The lid, created and signed by metalwork artist Kobayashi Shomin (小林尚珉), features a delicately executed relief of oshidori (mandarin ducks), a traditional Japanese motif symbolizing fidelity and marital harmony. The vessel’s base, formed by ceramic artist Kobayashi Hideo (小林英夫), offers a gentle, rounded profile that complements the quiet elegance of the lid.

Together, the contrasting materials and styles — metal and ceramic — achieve a subtle balance, reflecting the thoughtful collaboration between two distinct artistic practices. The box is housed in its original signed tomobako (wooden storage box).

Dimensions

6.5cm(h) x 11.9cm(w)

Footnote

Kobayashi Shomin (小林尚珉, 1912–1994), born in Aomori, was a master metalwork artist. He began exhibiting in 1940 and regularly participated in the Nitten, earning awards such as the Hokuto and Kikka Prizes. A key contributor to the revival of Kyoto’s Gion Festival floats, he also completed major public commissions including large-scale repoussé panels. A founding member of several postwar craft associations, he was named Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Contributor in 1985.

Kobayashi Hideo (小林英夫, b. 1951) was born in Kyoto and graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts. A noted ceramicist, he has exhibited widely in Japan and internationally. Major honors include the Excellent Work Award at the 1983 Japan Ceramics Exhibition, the Grand Prize at the 1987 Sino-Japanese International Ceramics Exhibition, and the Minister of Education Award at the 1997 Nikkokai Exhibition. His solo exhibitions have been held at venues such as Mitsukoshi (Nihonbashi), Daimaru (Tokyo and Osaka), Akasaka Inui Gallery, and internationally in New Zealand and Germany.