HOTOKUSAI: A FINE TWO TIERED `FAN AND BIRDS` LACQUER JUBAKO By Hotokusai, signed Hotokusai Kakushu with kakihan Japan, 19th century The jubako (picnic box) of rectangular form, two-tiered, rising from four lobed feet, the exterior decorated in gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with overlapping fans depicting birds and flowers, including cranes, phoenix, mandarin ducks, egrets, and quails, all above an attractively grained wood ground. The interior embellished in gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with chrysanthemums, peonies, and various floral roundels against a cloudy e-nashiji ground. The base singed HOTOKUSAI KAKUSHU with kakihan. SIZE 19.4 x 12.7 x 16.2 cm Condition: Good condition with minor expected wear to lacquer. Some age cracks. Provenance: British private collection. The artist is recorded by E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists, Northumberland, Harehope, 1995, p. 109. Auction comparison: Compare a related lacquer tray by Hotokusai Kakushu, 19th century, at Christie`s, The Japanese Aesthetic, 7 November 2012, London, lot 412 ( sold for 5,625 GBP ).