Writing Box with Design of Plum Blossoms and Moon

18th century

Not on view

Both Chinese and Japanese poetry contain allusions to the delicate beauty of plum blossoms in the moonlight and their subtle fragrance. This literary allusion underlies the imagery on this box and is particularly appropriate to its function as a container for an ink stone and brushes.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

江戸時代月梅枝蒔絵螺鈿硯箱
Title: Writing Box with Design of Plum Blossoms and Moon
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Reddish-brown lacquer with gold hiramaki-e, lead, and mother-of-pearl inlay
Dimensions: H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); W. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); L. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Object Number: 91.1.630
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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