Kai-awase Shell Pair Iris Handpainted Paulownia Wood Box

A single matched pair of kai-awase — the ancient shell-matching art of the Heian imperial court. Hand-painted on natural hamaguri clam, set against a gold-toned ground. The iris is rendered in iwa-enogu (天然岩絵の具) — natural mineral pigments used by Japanese masters for over a thousand years — with gold pigment detailing on leaf veins and floral accents. The iris (kakitsubata) was immortalized by Ogata Kōrin, the Edo-period Rinpa master, in his National Treasure Irises — one of the most celebrated works in Japanese art history. Its deep violet-blue against gold is a vision that has captivated viewers for centuries. In Japanese tradition, the paired clamshell (hamaguri) carries deep meaning: because only its own counterpart fits perfectly, it is a symbol of a singular, devoted union — a treasured wedding gift and collector's piece for centuries. Each work is created by Taki, a Nihonga artist with over 40 years of practice, trained under Ikuo Hirayama — recipient of the Order of Culture and one of Japan's most celebrated painters. A graduate of the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, and a former member of the prestigious Inten (Japan Art Institute) exhibition. Presented in a kiri (paulownia wood) box. ✦ 1 matched pair (2 shells), hand-painted ✦ Motif: iris (kakitsubata) ✦ Natural mineral pigments (iwa-enogu), gold-toned ground, gold pigment detailing ✦ Presented in a paulownia wood box ✦ Created by a Nihonga artist with 40+ years of practice, trained under Ikuo Hirayama (Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts) ✦ Made in Japan ⚠️ Keep away from water and moisture. Do not wash. ⚠️ As each shell is made from natural hamaguri clam, minor imperfections such as small scratches or chips inherent to the shell may be present. These are characteristics of the natural material and part of the unique beauty of each individual piece. A thousand years of Japanese beauty, held in the palm of your hand.