Pair of Sake Caskets

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 224

Coating objects in red lacquer was a common technique in Japan as early as the Heian period (794–1185). During the subsequent Kamakura period (1185–1333), Buddhist monks at Negoro Temple, in present-day Wakayama prefecture, began layering red over black lacquer, producing items known as Negoro wares. This pair of sake casks could be suspended by cords from the two rings at the top for easy transport. Such casks were often congratulatory gifts.

Pair of Sake Caskets, Wood with coatings of red over black lacquer (Negoro ware), Japan

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