Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe

ca. 1850–70

Not on view

This small writing box merges two popular pictorial subjects: the “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) composition and the Hell Courtesan (Jigoku Dayū). On the courtesan’s robe draped over a lacquer kimono rack, we see various demons and Emma-Ō, one of the Ten Kings of Hell, with his scowling red face and bulging eyes. According to local legends, the Hell Courtesan, from the port of Sakai, is said to have attained enlightenment with the help of the Zen monk Ikkyū (1394–1481).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

地獄大夫蒔絵硯箱
Title: Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe
Period: late Edo (1615–1868)–early Meiji (1867-1912) period
Date: ca. 1850–70
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground
Dimensions: H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); W. 6 in. (16.2 cm); L. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. George A. Crocker (Elizabeth Masten), 1937
Object Number: 38.25.92a–d
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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