Jihei Murase Japanese, b. 1957
Corrugated Tea Container of Jindai Keyaki (Ancient Japanese Zelkova), 2022
Lacquer
H2 1/8 x W3 in
H5.5 x W7.6 cm
H5.5 x W7.6 cm
C24982
Carved from the rarest wood type in Japan, Jihei Murase deftly incised uniform ridges into the surface of the grain, signifying the material's age by emulating the growth rings of the ancient Zelkova. The hand-shaped ridges are moments of intrigue that emphasize the attractive quality of the natural coloration of the ancient wood, protected by clear lacquer.