Artwork Page for Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

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Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

松竹梅文蒔絵文台

1400s
height: 10.2 cm (4 in.); width: 58.4 cm (23 in.); depth: 36.9 cm (14 1/2 in.)
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

The trunks of the pine and plum are visible through the silver slopes of the ground plain.

Description

Low writing tables like this one were developed for use by those seated on the floor. They often had matching writing boxes. The table features the classic design of pine, bamboo, and plum, known together as the Three Friends of Winter. Indicating resilience in the face of harsh conditions, pine is evergreen, bamboo bends but does not break, and plum is the first flower to bloom in early spring. The plants are a metaphor for strength of character.
Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

1400s

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

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