Incense Box in the Shape of a Book

early 19th century

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Incense Box in the Shape of a Book
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Inner tray of ivory, sprinkled gold lacquer, inlaid metal, shell and colored lacquer
Dimensions: H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); L. 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm)
1 7/8 x 2 3/4 x 3 7/16 in. (4.8 x 7.0 x 8.7 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
Object Number: 36.100.179a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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