Box with Crabs and Waves
The somewhat unusual shape of this box suggests that it might have been used to hold implements for painting, such as ink stones, brushes, and pigments. Variations in texture on the crab shells and in the rendering of the dramatic waves are a result of the different sizes and densities of the sprinkled gold, and of the various methods used to apply the gold powder. This box, with its bold and decorative design, could have been used by a well-to-do individual living in a cultural center such as Edo (present-day Tokyo)or Kyoto.
Artwork Details
- 江戸時代 蟹波蒔絵箱
- Title: Box with Crabs and Waves
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Lacquered wood with gold hiramaki-e and e-nashiji on black lacquer ground
- Dimensions: H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); W .6 in. (15.2 cm); L.12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
- Classification: Lacquer
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.500.2.33a–f
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Kano Sansetsu (Japanese, 1590–1651)
1646
early 17th century
1680–90s
early 17th century
18th century
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