Basketry Box for Square Calligraphy Paper (Shikishibako) with Paulownia

early 17th century

Not on view

The light, durable bodies of Japanese lacquered basketry works (rantai shikki) were sometimes further decorated with designs in sprinkled gold powder (maki-e), transforming everyday objects into opulent treasures. This box, designed to hold square calligraphy paper (shikishi), bears large gold paulownia crests, a popular design from the late sixteenth to the early seventeenth century associated with the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536–1598).

Artwork Details

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桐蒔絵竹細工色紙箱
Title: Basketry Box for Square Calligraphy Paper (Shikishibako) with Paulownia
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered bamboo basketry with gold hiramaki-e
Dimensions: H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); W. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); L. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.35a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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