Incense Box (Kōgō) with Cartwheels Submerged in Water

15th century

Not on view

The theme of this small incense box’s design, cartwheels in a stream, reflects the Heian-period (794–1185) practice of soaking the wheels of ox carts in water to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Popular during the Heian period, this pattern is also seen on both mirrors and decorated calligraphy papers used for sutra scrolls. This box was perhaps originally part of a cosmetic set and would have been a container for tooth-blackening material.

Artwork Details

Overview

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References

片輪車蒔絵香合
Title: Incense Box (Kōgō) with Cartwheels Submerged in Water
Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: 15th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold togidashimaki-e and hiramaki-e on nashiji (“pear-skin” ground)
Dimensions: H. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); L. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
Object Number: 2015.300.282a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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