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

Details / Information for Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

松竹梅文蒔絵文台

1400s

Japan, Muromachi period

(1392–1573)
Medium
Lacquered wood with gold and silver sprinkled powder (maki-e) and metal fittings
Measurements
height: 10.2 cm (4 in.); width: 58.4 cm (23 in.); depth: 36.9 cm (14 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1958.429
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
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.
A low, rectangular writing table in dark brown lacquered wood features a scene of a pine tree with gold and silver foliage. Plum blossoms spread across the surface toward a mountain form to our right. The table rests on four curved legs, their edges and corners accented with gold-toned metal fittings. Raised rails border the short sides, completing the horizontal composition.

Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

1400s

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

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