Scroll Box (Jikumono-bako) with Paulownia and Autumn Grasses

early 17th century

Not on view

In the Momoyama period (1573–1615), a new style of lacquer decoration developed in Kyoto. Named after the Kōdaiji Temple, it catered to the tastes of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598) for flamboyant furniture and household items decorated in gold. Using several relatively simple techniques, craftsmen conceived innovative, bold designs that did not require complicated underdrawings and allowed them to cover large surfaces in short amounts of time. The designs on this scroll box are executed in flat gold hiramaki-e with darker “pear-skin” hues to create a striking contrast with the black lacquer background.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

桐秋草蒔絵軸物箱
Title: Scroll Box (Jikumono-bako) with Paulownia and Autumn Grasses
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold hiramaki-e and e-nashiji (“pear-skin picture”)
Dimensions: L. 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
Object Number: 2015.300.294a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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