Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia (lid)

c. 1573–99
4 x 20.5 x 23.5 cm (1 9/16 x 8 1/16 x 9 1/4 in.)
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In contrast to the bright, celebratory motifs on the exterior, the interior of the box invites a more reflective mood with its autumn moonlit sky over chrysanthemums.

Description

The only place the mythical phoenix will perch is in the paulownia tree. Along with the dragon, the bird is a symbol of imperial power in East Asia. This box––a container for an inkstone, brushes, and ink––is both functional and lavish, its dramatic effects achieved with a pear-skin ground decoration (nashiji) and sprinkled powder decoration in high relief (takamaki-e).
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia (lid)

Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia (lid)

c. 1573–99

Japan, Momoyama period (1573-1615)

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