Writing box (Suzuribako) with Ginkgo Leaves

Murose Kazumi Japanese

Not on view

While writing boxes are designed for the practical function of housing implements such as inkstones (suzuri), brushes, and ink cakes, many are also consummate examples of lacquer art lavishly decorated with gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay. This exceptional box was created by Murose Kazumi, who was designated a Living National Treasure of maki-e art in 2008. In Japanese decorative arts, the ginkgo’s distinctive fan-shaped leaf has long symbolized longevity and endurance. An additional meaning associated with the Japanese characters for gingko (literally “grandfather grandson tree”) is that the fruit of the tree planted by a grandfather will be enjoyed by the grandsons.

Writing box (Suzuribako) with Ginkgo Leaves, Murose Kazumi (Japanese, born 1950), Lacquered wood with gold and silver togidashimaki-e, hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay, Japan

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.

Writing box (Suzuribako) with Ginkgo Leaves, Murose Kazumi (Japanese, born 1950), Lacquered wood with gold and silver togidashimaki-e, hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay, Japan
Writing box (Suzuribako) with Ginkgo Leaves, Murose Kazumi (Japanese, born 1950), Lacquered wood with gold and silver togidashimaki-e, hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay, Japan

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