This is a Japanese style Kogie box, presented in Japanese Tsutsumi gift-wrapped style. It is contained in a cedar Tomobako storage case and wrapped in a traditional Furoshiki - a blue brocade fabric. Kogei is a uniquely Japanese term that brings together a whole range of western concepts that embrace traditional woodwork, creativity, art, craft, and artistic expression. The word is used to categories items which though they have a function, are intrinsically 'beautiful things' which goes well beyond their utility value.
The fabric wrapping adds more 'suspense' and mystery to what lies inside.
The engraved wooden panel on the top of the Tomobako, written in Japanese Kanji characters, has the title of the contents, the makers name, together with where and when it was made.
Silvered Leaves is typically Japanese being an asymmetrical design, in both plan and profile. The outside harlequin style veneering uses book matched burl Elm and Vavona. Alas the two veneers didn't quite give the contrast I was hoping for. A black band goes all the way round the box inlayed with silvered filigree leaves taken from a pair of earrings! The edgings are ebony and maple. It sits on a Woodie Pear timber base.
The two halves of the box are locked together with Japanese style fittings.
They open to reveal four drawers made of maple with book-matched burl Elm and Vavona veneered fronts.
The fronts are enhanced with black edging and opal and mother of pearl dots. The knobs are black zirconite stud earrings.
Bryan ...... The leaves are drop earrings so quite thin. They aren't inlaid but just positioned into wet polyurethane and then, as with the stickers, numerous coats of poly are applied to build up a finish that's just above the leaves.
