Red and Gold Lacquer Portable Tea Bucket and Cover Ryukyu Kingdom Okinawa

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A rare and complete set of wood bucket with cinnabar lacquer and gold paint housing a pewter tea pot with … Read more A rare and complete set of wood bucket with cinnabar lacquer and gold paint housing a pewter tea pot with a fabric pouch from Ryukyu Kingdom, Second Shō dynasty, circa 19th century. Located in nowadays Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Ryukyu kingdom (1429 to 1879) was a tributary state of imperial Ming China ruled by the Ryukyuan monarchy, who ended Sanzan Period by unifying the Okinawa Islands and extending its power to the Amami Islands and Sakishima Islands. In 1609, the Ryukyu Kingdom became a vassal state of the Satsuma Domain of Japan but managed to retain its de jure independence until it was made into Ryukyu Domain in 1872, which was followed by the formal annexation into Okinawa Prefecture in 1879.
Located in the crossroad, the small kingdom played a central role in the maritime trade networks of medieval East Asia and Southeast Asia and its art and culture reflects the diverse influences.
Ryukyu Lacquerware was distinct from those made in Japanese mainland as it also incorporated artistic tradition and motifs from China and Southeast Asia. Shell inlays were widely used as well as the bright cinnabar red color combined with gold decorative paint, which wasn't common in mainland Japan.
The item on offer is a rare and compete set of portable tea pot (or used for soup or sake) housed in the original lacquered wood bucket. The articulated join on the handle releases the lid. The pewter pot with sprout, handles and lid still retains its fabric pouch. The bucket has a built-in slot to fit the sprout of the pot, so one can pour the liquid without opening the lid. The bright red lacquer was applied on the surface and provided a striking canvas for the gold painting that depicts wooded rocky landscape with bridges and pavilions, sailing boats on the sea, peasants riding ox and holding umbrella.
The authentic work remains in its original condition with sensible patina and evidence of use. Some stable crack lines interestingly expose the joint construction. An honest piece with lots of beauty and characters.
A nearly identical set with the same gold-paint motifs was likely by the same maker and is in the collection of Tokyo National Musuem, accession number H-3575.
For several Ryukyu buckets of similar style, see illustration 250-253 in the book "Lacquer of the Ryukyus" Japanese Version See less