Writing Desk (Bundai) with Landscape and Geese

17th century

Not on view

Lacquer writing desks were usually created in sets with boxes (suzuribako) to hold paper and writing implements. The earliest forms of the low table are documented in medieval handscroll paintings; most are undecorated and have shorter legs. The size and shape of the writing table became standardized in the Muromachi period (1392–1573) and remained unchanged through the Edo period, as seen in paintings representing Murasaki Shikibu at her desk composing The Tale of Genji. This desk, prepared in homage to earlier examples, has a landscape with a waterfall and geese among waves. The maki-e decoration covers only a small portion of the writing surface, in keeping with the desk’s function. The style of the sparse decoration recalls Japanese appreciation of Chinese ink paintings introduced by Zen monasteries.

Artwork Details

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楼閣山水鴨蒔絵文台
Title: Writing Desk (Bundai) with Landscape and Geese
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application
Dimensions: L.25 in.(63.5 cm); W.14 1/4 in.(36.2 cm); H.4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.22
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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