Tray in the form of a stem of rippling leaves, with a single bud and a star-form orchid flower. Carved of chestnut wood. By Ikeda Sakumi (the go or art name of Ikeda Fumikichi, 1886 – 1955). Early Showa era, circa 1930 – 1940.

With the tomobako or original storage box, inscribed on the exterior: Kumagaiso Moyo Habon or Cypripedium Japonicum Motif Leaf Tray, and on the reverse of the lid: Shoboku Saikushi, Ikeda Sakumi or Artist of Various Woods, Ikeda Sakumi, and sealed: Sakumi.

Ikeda Sakumi was born in Kaga. He studied under Takemura Eiraku in Osaka and specialized in wood carvings. In 1928, he exhibited at the Teiten for the first time and was afterwards a frequent exhibitor.

For another example of this artist’s work, c.f. number 56 in Kagedo’s 2010 catalogue. See also Kagedo’s catalogues Awaiting the Moon, numbers 132 and 136, Blue Wind, number 29, Breaking Light, number 69, and Reflective Paths, number 120.

Sakumi borrows the texture of the wood grain to ripple this stylized, exotic leaf. Its sinuous edges curl musically, punctuated by the star blossom on one end and the balancing stem on the other.