Cabinet with Design of Stylized Tortoiseshell Patterns

late 16th–early 17th century

Not on view

Often referred to as medicine chests, boxes such as this one, with a front cover and interior drawers, were also designed for traveling. The dramatic rendering of stylized tortoiseshells on the exterior is matched by the three wonderful cranes found on the front of the drawers. In both China and Japan, these motifs are often associated with a mythical mountain inhabited by immortals.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Cabinet with Design of Stylized Tortoiseshell Patterns
Period: Momoyama period (1573–1615)
Date: late 16th–early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Powdered gold (maki-e) on black lacquer; gilt-bronze handle, lock, and hinges
Dimensions: L.14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); H.14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.34a–e
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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