Document Box (Ryōshibako) with Deer and Butterflies

17th century

Not on view

This document box is embellished with seasonal motifs: the butterflies represent spring, and the deer is a symbol of autumn. The lid is decorated with an autumn landscape featuring large ferns. Deer were favored as design elements by Rinpa lacquer artists, but they had been represented in Japanese lacquer art since the medieval period. Autumn landscapes with deer were popular painting subjects in the Edo period.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

鹿蝶々蒔絵料紙箱
Title: Document Box (Ryōshibako) with Deer and Butterflies
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold takamaki‑e, hiramaki‑e, togidashimaki‑e, mother‑of‑pearl inlay, and silver foil application
Dimensions: L. 17 3/4 in. (45.1 cm); W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.52a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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