Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia, c. 1573-1599. This box--a container for an ink-stone, 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.

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Size: 7783px × 5536px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1573-1615, application, art, cleveland, foil, gold, heritage, japan, lacquer, maki-, momoyama, museum, period, powder, silver, sprinkled, unknown, wood