Document Box (Ryōshibako) with Deer and Butterflies

17th century
Not on view
This document box is embellished with seasonal motifs: the butterflies represent spring, and the deer is a symbol of autumn. The lid is decorated with an autumn landscape featuring large ferns. Deer were favored as design elements by Rinpa lacquer artists, but they had been represented in Japanese lacquer art since the medieval period. Autumn landscapes with deer were popular painting subjects in the Edo period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 鹿蝶々蒔絵料紙箱
  • Title: Document Box (Ryōshibako) with Deer and Butterflies
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Lacquered wood with gold takamaki‑e, hiramaki‑e, togidashimaki‑e, mother‑of‑pearl inlay, and silver foil application
  • Dimensions: L. 17 3/4 in. (45.1 cm); W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.500.2.52a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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