Food Box with Striped Decoration and Chinese Figures

17th century

Not on view

The geometric patterns on the sides of this tiered food box derive from Indian and Southeast Asian textiles introduced to Japan through the global trade networks that linked different parts of Asia with one another and with the West. On the box’s top are three figures whose clothing and setting identify them as Chinese. It is possible that the use of figural imagery was spurred by an awareness of figures depicted on contemporaneous lacquer from China and the Ryūkyū Islands (Okinawa).

Artwork Details

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人物縞蒔絵螺鈿重箱
Title: Food Box with Striped Decoration and Chinese Figures
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold and silver hiramaki‑e, lead, and mother‑of‑pearl inlay on black ground
Dimensions: H. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm); W. 7 11/16 in. (19.5 cm); D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.31a–f
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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