Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Screen, Robe Rack, and Shell-Matching Game Set

second half of the 19th century

Not on view

In this modern rendering of the “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) composition, the screen at the back of the interior is decorated with a landscape executed to mimic ink painting and a kimono, obi, and inrō are draped over a lacquer kimono rack. The kimono is adorned with irises and an eight-fold bridge (Japanese: yatsuhashi), a well-known motif from the Tales of Ise. The pair of lacquer shell-matching game boxes and shells symbolize happy marriage.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

誰が袖蒔絵硯箱
Title: Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Screen, Robe Rack, and Shell-Matching Game Set
Period: Meiji period (1868–1912)
Date: second half of the 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold, silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, togidashimaki-e, red lacquer on black ground
Dimensions: L. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm); W. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm); D. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Bequest of Hope Skillman Schary, 1981
Object Number: 1982.244.4a–e
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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