Seisai Shirai (白井正斎), Japanese

A Dry-Lacquer Aubergine Incense Box (乾漆茄子香合)

Shōwa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

A finely modelled dry-lacquer incense box by Seisai Shirai (白井正斎), shaped as an elongated aubergine. Its smooth, dark body contrasts with a textured calyx and long, tapering stem, creating a small object with considerable sculptural character.

The fruit has a gently swelling outline, rounded at one end and narrowing towards the stem. Deep purple-black lacquer gives the body a glossy finish that catches broad reflections. Around the calyx, irregular folds and raised details introduce a rougher texture, suggesting the natural transition between skin and plant matter.

The long stem extends the silhouette and gives the composition a sense of movement. Subtle warm brown passages within the textured areas soften the dark palette, while the continuous modelling preserves the recognisable form of the vegetable.

As a kōgō, the piece belongs to the small incense containers used within the tea tradition, where seasonal or natural subjects are often appreciated at an intimate scale. Accompanied by its original wooden box, inscribed to identify the dry-lacquer aubergine incense box.

Dimensions

3cm(h) x 10.5cm(w) x 3.5cm(d)

Footnote

Seisai Shirai (白井正斎) was a Japanese lacquer artist associated with tea utensils made using kanshitsu, or dry lacquer. Records of the lacquer artist Nakagawa Seisai II identify Shirai as his teacher, establishing his role in transmitting this specialist craft. Incense boxes bearing the Shirai name include naturalistic plant and fruit forms, with modelled contours and contrasting lacquer textures. These small sculptural works bring seasonal subjects into the tea setting, using lacquer to express both smooth surfaces and intricate natural detail.