Golden Pine and Waves Taka Maki-e Mallet

A symphony of gold leaf and lavishly scattered gold powder transforms this Wajima lacquerware kozuchi—a mallet revered in folklore as a symbol of prosperity—into an extraordinary canvas of maki-e artistry. Crafted by the esteemed Yamanoshita Akihiro, the mallet radiates elegance, its design depicting resilient pine trees rising above gentle seigaiha waves. With a generous touch of opulence, this work serves as a poetic homage to Japan’s coastal beauty and enduring symbols of strength and fortune.

Richly dimensional through the unique taka maki-e, or "raised maki-e" technique, the pine trees and rugged rocks command attention on the front and the back. Against the sleek black lacquer surface, textured branches shimmer in a captivating interplay of light and shadow. Waves, hand-painted with precision, sweep across the composition, their motion filling the scene with vitality. 

Depth and balance emerge through Yamanoshita’s masterful use of gold. More than a display piece, this kozuchi mallet captures the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship, blending artistry with the essence of Japan’s treasured scenery. With each glance, it reveals a new facet of its beauty—a timeless work that invites contemplation and reverence, destined to become a cherished legacy.

Each element of the kozuchi mallet is crafted with exceptional precision, showcasing Yamanoshita Akihiro’s expertise in taka maki-e. The layered gold, applied in varying thicknesses, creates subtle shifts in color and texture that add depth and balance to the design.

Adding to its allure, delicate raden inlays of mother-of-pearl catch the light in iridescent hues, lending a refined shimmer to the design, as if capturing sunlight filtering through the branches. The delicate touches of shimmer lend a sense of depth and refinement, bringing the entire scene to life with quiet elegance.

Yamanoshita Akihiro

Amid layers of lacquer and delicate golden flourishes, Yamanoshita Akihiro’s art elevates the long-honored craft of Wajima lacquerware into realms of refined beauty and complexity. Renowned for his mastery in taka maki-e, or raised maki-e, Yamanoshita’s work embodies artistry and cultural symbolism, each piece a unique creation born of dedication to Japanese aesthetics and spiritual meaning

Wajima lacquerware, one of Japan's most esteemed lacquerwares, finds its home in Wajima City, nestled in the northwest corner of the Noto Peninsula. This illustrious craft, flourishing since the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), is distinguished by its rich foundation and decorative embellishments that promise both aesthetic and functional excellence. 

With an astounding number of steps in its production process, its sumptuous lacquer coat and exquisite decorations draw one into the mesmerizing world of Wajima artistry. Honored as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1975, Wajima lacquerware gracefully continues its evolution while maintaining the rich tapestry of its ancient traditions.