Collection Online as of March 23, 2023
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Design of Pine, Camellia, and Bamboo (lid)
松椿竹蒔絵硯箱
Part of a set. See all set records
Japan, Muromachi period
(1392–1573)
Lacquer on wood with decoration in maki-e
Overall: 24.2 x 22.6 cm (9 1/2 x 8 7/8 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1969.124.b
Location
not on view
Fun Fact
The metal water dropper inside the box above the ink stone also has pine and camellia motifs.
Description
Writing boxes were indispensible personal possessions for the literate of medieval Japan. Beyond containing the tools for artistic expression and communication such as an ink stone, writing brushes, and a water dropper, writing boxes often featured scenes from classical literature or symbolic motifs rendered in a wide array of complex lacquer techniques.