Tebako or ornamental cosmetic box in a rectangular form with a softly rounded lid and corners, decorated on the exterior with a modernist, flowering thistle motif against a silver fundame matte lacquer ground. Of gold, silver, and colored takamaki-e or raised lacquers, the interior of gold flake nashiji lacquer against a roiro black lacquer ground. Signed on the reverse of the lid in raised gold lacquer by the artist: Seicho Saku or Made by Seicho (Iwashita Seicho, 1899 – 1962). Early Showa era, circa 1930 – 1940.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Azami Maki-e Tebako or Thistle (Motif) Lacquer Ornamental Cosmetic Box; and on the reverse of the lid signed by the artist: Seicho Saku or Made by Seicho, and sealed.

A Niigata artist, Iwashita Seicho studied lacquer arts under Takai Hakuyo (1895 – 1951). After the Pacific War, he exhibited a furosaki screen at the 5th Nitten in 1949. His work won prizes at exhibitions in Niigata.

With this tebako Iwashita Seicho employs classical lacquer techniques articulated in a stylized, modernist idiom. The thistles range diagonally across the sides and top of the box, delineated in crisp, powerful stems and angular, pointed leaves. Gold veins detail the dark foliage like lightening. Over the leaves dance fans of violet blossoms. Framing these, an elegant, silver matte ground softens the play of textures and colors. Seicho captured the jazzy sophistication of the age perfectly.