Small kobako in the shape of a shiitake mushroom, rendered in an ultra-realistic manner in white and brown lacquer, perfectly imitating the texture of a real fungus. Literally translated as “small box,” kobako are often adorned with harmonious decorative scenes inspired by Japanese flora and fauna. Japanese artists play with materials and forms with a level of precision and meticulousness comparable to goldsmithing.

The shiitake holds a distinctive symbolism in Japan. As it grows on dead wood, some claim it retains the memory of trees. Buddhist monks consume it to clear the mind, while in traditional Chinese medicine it is classified among the “Qi tonics.” Thus, in classical Chinese and Japanese cultures, it is regarded as beneficial for both body and mind. More broadly, the mushroom embodies a rich and complex symbolism: that of a living element thriving from death.

Signed by Azechi Takio

Japan — Taishō era
Height: 4.5 cm — length: 5 cm — width: 5 cm