Gnarled branches of plum, their blossom showing at the first sign of Spring, spread across the brilliant vermilion lacquer surface of this footed bowl with everted rim. On the outside face a poem, signed Keigetsu, celebrates the passing of winter snow. Working with black lacquer as a painting medium, the artist has captured a sponstaneous fluidity.

The storage box records the details of this memorial piece, commissioned by Watanabe Kizaimon from the Masuda lacquer studio in Osaka.