Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia, late 1500s. Japan, Momoyama period (1573-1615). Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold and silver powder (maki-e) and gold and silver foil application; 4 x x cm (1 9/16 x 8 1/16 x 9 1/4 in.). 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


Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia, late 1500s. Japan, Momoyama period (1573-1615). Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold and silver powder (maki-e) and gold and silver foil application; 4 x x cm (1 9/16 x 8 1/16 x 9 1/4 in.). 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.


Size: 3400px × 2418px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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