Cylindrical box

19th century

Not on view

This box probably held a tea whisk. The designs are of the autumn grass hagi (bush clover), susuki (acanthus plants) with dew, and bamboo blinds. A half-moon is encrusted in pewter on the black-lacquered lid. These motifs evoke an episode in Chapter 10 of the Tale of Genji, "The Sacred Tree" (Sakaki), in which Genji visits the Rokujo Lady at Nonomiya Shrine before she leaves Kyoto to accompany her princess at the Ise Shrine.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Cylindrical box
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Red lacquer on bamboo with sprinkled gold powder
Dimensions: H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); Diam. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
Object Number: 36.100.177a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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