Kazari-bunko or ornamental deep-lidded box for writing paper, of red-orange kanshitsu or dry lacquer over linen ornamented with a design of a bird of paradise in gold, silver and colored raised lacquer, aogai or inlaid shell, and kirikane or inlaid gold. Pewter frames the edges of the lid with narrow panels in silver hirame technique, and ornaments the edges of the base section. Decorating the outside panels of the lower box (hidden beneath the lid when covered) are scattered squares of gold leaf tinted with orange lacquer and cloud lines in gold. Signed on the reverse in red lacquer with a circular seal form signature by the artist, Seiho (Futagi Seiho, 1884 – 1954). Circa Showa 17 or 1942.

With the tomobako or original storage box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Gokurakucho Kazari-bunko or Bird of Paradise Ornamental Box for Paper, and signed: Futagi Seiho Saku or Made by Futagi Seiho, and sealed with a square seal: Seiho.

Born in Kanazawa, Futagi Seiho studied under Yamamoto Toshinari, and later with the Kaga artists Itarashi Michisuke and Shimizu Kyubei. First accepted as an exhibitor at the Teiten in 1928, Seiho also exhibited at the Shin-Bunten, and after the War at the Nitten.

A similar box was made for exhibition at the 5th Shin-Bunten in Showa 17 or 1942, and is illustrated in the Nittenshi, Volume 15, page 218, number 183.

Stylistically this bunko sings of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. Bright daring colors and designs typify the period. The red-orange ground is dramatically decorated with an exotic bird of paradise whose flaring lines contrast with the rigid geometry of the box’s faceted edges. On the interior, the abstraction of the scattered foil and linear cloud decoration render a traditional motif in sleek modernist terms. Futagi Seiho employed the finest traditional lacquer techniques to achieve a brilliantly fresh sensibility.