Sayaka

Against a glossy black ground, magnolia flowers are bursting into bloom. The handle on the left features a design of a moon tinged with blue. A white dove composed of crushed eggshells hints at snow, evoking the classic themes of snow, moon, and flowers. The distinct shape and color of each petal showcase Saji Tadashi’s extraordinary talent. During his time at Tokyo Fine Arts School, Saji studied under Matsuda Gonroku, who encouraged him to pursue lacquer art. After refining his skills in Kanazawa, he moved to Ichikawa City, Chiba after World War II and showed work in the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). Recognized as a leading figure in the postwar crafts community, he was honored with the Order of Culture, and exhibited many outstanding works that demonstrated his masterful design sensibility and technical skill. (N.R.)