Incense Box (Kōgō) with Camellias

13th century
Not on view
Small boxes of this type, which are preserved in Japan in some number, are often identified as incense boxes, for they were used as such during the tea ceremony. It seems likely that boxes of this type were also used in China to hold incense or other powdered substances such as cosmetics. The camellia spray on the cover is set against a plain background, a characteristic of early carved lacquers that would reemerge in the sixteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Incense Box (Kōgō) with Camellias
  • Period: Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279)
  • Date: 13th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Carved red lacquer
  • Dimensions: H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm), Diam. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Barbara and Sorrell Mathes Gift, 2005
  • Object Number: 2005.140a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.