This set of lacquerware sweet plates (菓子皿) is crafted on polished wood and decorated based on the work of 竹内栖鳳 (Takeuchi Seihō, 1864–1942), a pivotal figure in modern Japanese painting (Nihonga). Widely celebrated for his masterful ability to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with subtle Western realism, Seihō was a leading artist of the Kyoto art world and a recipient of the prestigious Order of Culture. His works are known for their lifelike animal portrayals, atmospheric landscapes, and exquisitely controlled brushwork.
Each plate features a composition in a fan-shaped painting format that highlights the graceful flow and refined sensibility characteristic of Seihō’s art. The delicate imagery evokes gentle breezes and natural serenity, rendered with the nuanced shading and elegant restraint for which Seihō is renowned.
The lacquered surfaces balance the warmth of natural wood with a soft, lustrous finish, enhancing the presence of the artwork. Thoughtfully designed for both aesthetic enjoyment and functional use, this set is ideal for serving traditional sweets, enhancing a tea ceremony, or displaying as a piece of fine decorative art.
