Box for tanzaku

A rectangular wood box with fitted lid, coated on all surfaces with lacquer. The outer surfaces are decorated in a Kodaiji-makie style with contrasting sprinkled gold and black lacquer surfaces in a mostly floral design. The lid has silver inlay–dark with tarnish–with some pieces missing. There are darkened gilt metal fastenings with loop handles along the long sides; two blue-green silk cord ribbons found inside the box may have been tied through the loop handles to secure the box. The interior is plain, black lacquer. Also see notes section.

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Historical period(s)
Momoyama period, late 16th-early 17th century
Medium
Lacquer, gold and silver on wood
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 7.7 x 35 x 7.7 cm (3 1/16 x 13 3/4 x 3 1/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Gift of Peggy and Richard M. Danziger
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1998.21a-g
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Container, Lacquer
Type

Box

Keywords
autumn, flower, Japan, Momoyama period (1573 - 1615), tanzaku
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

A rectangular wood box with fitted lid, coated on all surfaces with lacquer. The outer surfaces are decorated in a Kodaiji-makie style with contrasting sprinkled gold and black lacquer surfaces in a mostly floral design. The lid has silver inlay--dark with tarnish--with some pieces missing. There are darkened gilt metal fastenings with loop handles along the long sides; two blue-green silk cord ribbons found inside the box may have been tied through the loop handles to secure the box. The interior is plain, black lacquer. Also see notes section.

Inscription(s)

See notes section for inscriptions on the accessories.

Published References
  • Thomas Lawton, Thomas W. Lentz. Beyond the Legacy: Anniversary Acquisitions for the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. vol. 1 Washington, 1998. p. 288.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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