Change without change.

The river flows; the moon waxes and wanes. In Su Shi’s First Ode to the Red Cliff, their changing forms prompt a reflection on passing time and the continuity of the natural world.

This dark lacquer confectionery bowl brings that literary subject into gold maki-e. A small boating party passes beneath angular cliffs, while columns of Chinese calligraphy continue around the exterior. Inside, a softly shaded full moon appears against the polished lacquer ground.

The flared form and combination of poem and landscape recall Chinese blue-and-white Red Cliff bowls. Here, the subject is interpreted through Japanese lacquer, with fine gold lines and open areas of dark ground giving the scene a restrained atmosphere.

Details

• Japan; probably Edo period, dating provisional.
• Height 9 cm; maximum diameter 16 cm.
• Appears to be lacquered wood with metallic maki-e decoration.
• Signed Kajikawa, with the longer name supplied as 玉澗斎, and a red jar-shaped seal.
• Landscape design attributed by the previous seller to Kō Sūkoku (高嵩谷, 1730–1804); direct participation has not been established.
• Accompanied by an inscribed wooden storage box.

Attribution

The name 梶川玉澗斎 is documented in an Osaka Municipal Museum of Art exhibition checklist. This supports the name’s historical use but does not authenticate this particular signature. Exact authorship and dating remain under research. The corresponding box inscription is present; original artist-signed box status has not been independently verified.

Condition

A small impact mark near the inner rim, fine surface scratches and wear around the foot are visible in the photographs. The wooden box shows wear and old label remnants. Styled images are accompanied by original close-ups of the signature, box inscription and rim mark. Please examine the photographs carefully; further condition details are available on request.