Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji

Japan

Not on view

This refined incense box in the shape of five books bound by a brocade cover bears the tale’s title in Japanese, Genji monogatari. The brocade design features medallion-shaped Chinese lions, peonies, and scattered “auspicious treasures.” The incense tray inside is embellished with a rolled-up bamboo blind and an attached “medicine ball” (kusudama), a hanging ornament that served as an amulet.

Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan

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Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan
Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan
Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan
Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan
Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan
Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan
Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji, Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer, Japan

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