A Symphony in Black and Gold: Exploring the Japanese Black Lacquered Tray by Tognacca & Giglio Tos

This exquisite Japanese black lacquered tray, dating back to 1800, offers a captivating glimpse into the artistry of tognacca & giglio tos, a remarkable Italian artist whose career spanned photography, academia, and the creation of stunning lacquerware. Executed by this talented duo, the piece exemplifies the refined aesthetic sensibilities prevalent in late 19th-century Japan, blending meticulous craftsmanship with symbolic richness. The tray’s glossy black surface, achieved through the traditional application of lacquer – a process demanding years of skill – immediately draws the eye, creating a backdrop that amplifies the brilliance of the gold and beige floral design. This isn't merely decoration; it’s an embodiment of Japanese artistic principles centered on harmony, balance, and the appreciation of natural beauty.

• Subject Matter: The central focus is a meticulously rendered floral arrangement, dominated by stylized sunflowers – a potent symbol of longevity, adoration, and the sun itself.
• Composition: The symmetrical composition, with the largest sunflower positioned centrally, speaks to the Japanese emphasis on order and balance.
• Materials: Crafted from black lacquer, adorned with gold leaf meticulously applied to create the vibrant floral motifs.

Technique and Artistic Process

The creation of this tray represents a complex interplay of techniques. The foundation is the application of lacquer – a process involving multiple layers of resin dissolved in solvents, painstakingly built up over time to achieve the desired depth and sheen. This was then skillfully overlaid with paint and gold leaf, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of both surface treatments. The delicate outlines defining each petal and stem are particularly noteworthy, showcasing an almost architectural precision. The diffused lighting employed during its creation further enhances the glossy finish, highlighting the subtle variations in texture that betray the hand-crafted nature of this object. Considering the timeframe (1800), it’s highly probable that the artist drew inspiration from Art Deco aesthetics, a movement characterized by geometric forms and luxurious materials – a testament to the enduring appeal of classical design principles.

Symbolism and Cultural Context

Beyond its aesthetic beauty, this Japanese black lacquered tray is laden with symbolic meaning. The sunflowers, as mentioned, represent themes of growth, vitality, and the sun’s life-giving energy – core concepts within Japanese philosophy and art. The use of black lacquer itself carries significant weight; it symbolizes mourning and spirituality in Japanese culture, often associated with Buddhist temples and rituals. This juxtaposition of somber color with vibrant floral imagery creates a compelling tension, inviting contemplation on themes of mortality and rebirth. The tray’s creation aligns perfectly with the broader cultural context of 19th-century Japan, where lacquerware was highly prized as both an art form and a functional object – often commissioned for ceremonial purposes or presented as gifts of status.

Provenance and Legacy

Created by tognacca & giglio tos between 1870 and 1941, this tray represents the culmination of a diverse artistic career. The artist’s involvement with corda fratres, an international student federation, reveals a commitment to fostering global connections and promoting cultural exchange – values that resonate deeply today. This particular piece offers a tangible connection to a bygone era, showcasing the exceptional skill and artistry of Italian craftsmen working within the rich traditions of Japanese design. Its diminutive size (2 x 22 cm) makes it an ideal addition to any collection or interior space, offering a touch of understated elegance and timeless beauty.