Incense Box in the Shape of a Book

Japan

Not on view

The old couple beneath the pine depicted on the book-shaped cover refer to the legent of the spirit of the gods of Sumiyoshi and Takasago. On the ivory inner tray is a still-life arrangement of Noh mask, mask box, hand drum and props for the auspicious dance of the old man in the play Okina. Around the sides of the box is a scattering of plum blossoms, pine cones and bamboo leaves, a delightful reference to the auspicious "Three Friends of Winter", the pine, bamboo and plum, which gladden the winter with their evergreen foliage and early blossom and are thus emblematic of long life and fortitude.

Incense Box in the Shape of a Book, Inner tray of ivory, sprinkled gold lacquer, inlaid metal, shell and colored lacquer, Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Incense Box in the Shape of a Book, Inner tray of ivory, sprinkled gold lacquer, inlaid metal, shell and colored lacquer, Japan
Incense Box in the Shape of a Book, Inner tray of ivory, sprinkled gold lacquer, inlaid metal, shell and colored lacquer, Japan
Incense Box in the Shape of a Book, Inner tray of ivory, sprinkled gold lacquer, inlaid metal, shell and colored lacquer, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.