Erskine, Hall & Coe is delighted to have two beautiful tea caddies by Tatsuaki Kuroda (1904-1982), a renowned Japanese woodworker and lacquer artist from Kyoto.

Tea caddy with spiral design, c. 1970 lacquered wood, 7.2 x 7 cm

Tea caddy with silver lacquer and swirl pattern inlay, c. 1975 lacquered wood, 7.4 x 7 cm

Kuroda’s path to becoming one of Japan’s most celebrated artists began with a brief apprenticeship in 1919, after which he chose to create each piece entirely himself, from woodworking to lacquering and decoration. His practice centred on boxes, trays, tea ceremony utensils, and larger furniture, blending traditional forms with bold, modern aesthetics.

Kuroda mastered urushi (Japanese lacquer) techniques, developing a distinctive style defined by clean, powerful lines and striking raden (mother-of-pearl) inlay. He is especially known for fuki-urushi (wiped clear lacquer) and innovative use of shell inlay, which often produced dynamic, swirling patterns.

In 1970, he became the first woodworker to be designated a Living National Treasure of Japan. His works are represented in major collections, including the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London

Each tea caddy is accompanied by its original tomobako (artist’s signed box) and sotobako (outer lacquered box).

Erskine, Hall & Coe

15, The Royal Arcade
W1S 4SP
Tel: 0207 491 1706
www.ehc.art