Tobacco tray with wave design [one of a pair] c. 1920s - 1930s

This tobacco tray with wave design was crafted by Kamisaka Sekka, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It is made from lacquered wood, and the colour is a delicious dark plum. I love how the artist uses these swooping white lines to describe the ocean. Each mark is slightly different, like individual thoughts trailing off in different directions. The glossy surface is so seductive. You can almost feel the artist’s hand polishing it, smoothing it over and over again. The design reminds me of Hokusai's "Great Wave," but more distilled, more subtle. There is an interesting dialogue happening between the two artists in this piece. Both artists share a common interest in capturing the essence and the energy of nature, but each approaches it in their own unique way. It makes you think about how art is one big conversation through time, doesn't it?