• Additional view of object
  • Additional view of object
Nov 2, 2016
Nov 2, 2016

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

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

c. 1573–1599

Part of a set. See all set records

Japan, Momoyama period

(1573-1615)

Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold and silver powder (maki-e) and gold and silver foil application

4 x 20.5 x 23.5 cm (1 9/16 x 8 1/16 x 9 1/4 in.)

Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2016.34.d

Location

not on view

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Did you know?

The only place the mythical phoenix will perch is the paulownia tree.

Description

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). 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.

See also
Collection: 
Japanese Art
Department: 
Japanese Art
Type of artwork: 
Lacquer
Medium: 
Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold and silver powder (maki-e) and gold and silver foil application
Credit line: 
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund

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