Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe

Japan

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).

Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe, Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground, Japan

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Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe, Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground, Japan
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe, Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground, Japan
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe, Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground, Japan
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe, Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground, Japan
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hell Courtesan’s Robe, Lacquered wood with gold, silver, iroko (color) takamaki-e, hiramaki-e on black ground, Japan

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