Japanese Peony Scrolls Watch

Description

This watch design is adapted from an elaborately decorated maki-e lacquer box lid from the Japanese Edo period (1615–1868), with peony scrolls surrounding a design of hawk feathers. It may have been used by a daimyo (provincial warlord) traveling to and from the capital as he served the shogun, the supreme military commander. The whorl of feathers is a crest used by the Inoue family of Mikawa, who were among the closest retainers of the ruling Tokugawa family. The box lid was likely originally used as a cover for a three- legged casket (hokai) for carrying food; Edo period hokai were often among the large, matched sets of lacquer furnishings given as high-status wedding gifts.

18K gold overlay case. Printed plastic band. Quartz movement. Band: adjusts from 5 7/8'' to 7 7/8''L; Case: 1 1/4'' diam.

Art History

The luxury associated with lacquerware is legendary. Derived from the sap of a tree, lacquer is used for elegant platters, boxes, and other personal objects, all of which require time, labor, and artistry. In Japan, lacquerers developed a range of techniques for making maki-e, a brilliant gold and silver decoration. Maki-e reached a peak during the Edo period (1615–1868) and is among the ultimate achievements of Japanese decorative art.