Mandarin Ducks are a theme frequently featured in Oriental art. A notable characteristic of this species is intense loyalty. Pairing for life, they represent conjugal affection and fidelity in eastern art. Their presence represents balance and harmony.

Chinese proverbs for loving couples use the Mandarin Duck as a metaphor and they are frequently used as symbols during Chinese weddings. The species was once widespread in eastern Asia, but it is now endangered because of large-scale exports and the destruction of its forest habitat.

The populations in eastern Russia and China are probably well below 1,000 pairs, although Japan may have around 5,000 pairs.

Mr. Koichiro Okazaki's work name is Kogaku-san. His work is painted freehand without any outline of design or silk screen process. While 90% of currently produced Maki-e artwork utilizes man-made Urushi lacquer, Kogaku san uses only 100% natural Urushi lacquer, collected by hand from Urushi trees.

Kogaku-san draws his inspiration of these particular Mandarin Ducks from treasures housed in the Shosoin temple.

Shosoin is an imperial storehouse. It is located inside the Todaiji Temple in Nara just northwest of the Great Buddha. The building serves as a time capsule housing the treasures of the Silk Road (the overland trade routes from China to the Mediterranean).

This temple has protected and preserved around 9,000 different items dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries.

Amongst the thousands of treasures, the Shosoin serves as museum of Persian motifs including animals, trees, birds, and lion hunting, artifacts from the Roman Empire, an unparalleled collection of musical instruments from Iran and China, carpets from western China, a rhinoceros horn bowl from Champa (today central Vietnam) are just a few of the national treasures.

The building holds ritual objects used in China and brought to the Japanese court for its own purposes; objects made in Japan that reflect Japanese imitation and innovation of Tang Chinese; and archives, temple furnishings, and ceremonial dress.

Shosoin's significance extends beyond Japan the building is widely acknowledged as the "Treasure House of the World".

Kogaku-san has depicted a pair of these colorful birds set against a flowing backdrop of running water. Each brightly painted Mandarin Duck is clasping a long stalk with flowers. Raden inlay and gold powder are carefully used to accent both the ducks and flowers.

The shimmering surface of the flowing water is detailed with gleaming gold and green.

This wonderful design adorns the cap and barrel. It is an amazing display of both art and nature.

Each piece carries Kogaku-san's signature, and the coveted
Red Seal signature signifying the highest level of Maki-e art.