Small Box
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
During the modernising Meiji period lacquer production went into decline and many artisans had to seek other modes of employment. The impact of westernisation upon Japanese society had caused lacquerware to be considered unfashionable by the general populace. Lacquerers that continued in the industry had to find other creative means to promoting interest in their wares, often by modernising and improving old techniques through a shinier finish or greater range and vibrancy in colour. This piece exemplifies lacquer produced for the Western market due to the poor-quality of the lacquer and its colourful and busy design.
The triangular shape of this box was common during the Nara period (710-784) but became more unusual during the Momoyama (1573-1615) and Edo (1615-1868) periods.
The triangular shape of this box was common during the Nara period (710-784) but became more unusual during the Momoyama (1573-1615) and Edo (1615-1868) periods.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Lacquered wood with incising and hollowed interior in the shape of an aubergine |
| Brief description | Small box (kobako), perhaps for the storage of incense, in the shape of Mount Fuji with incised cloud forms filled with lacquer of various colours; the sides depicts hawks and cloud forms whilst the interior is hollowed in the shape of an aubergine with raised green stem, Japan, 19th century. |
| Physical description | Small box (kobako), perhaps for the storage of incense, in the shape of Mount Fuji with incised cloud forms filled with lacquer of various colours; the sides depicts hawks and cloud forms whilst the interior is hollowed in the shape of an egg-fruit with raised green stem, Japan, 19th century. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Content description | aubergine |
| Summary | During the modernising Meiji period lacquer production went into decline and many artisans had to seek other modes of employment. The impact of westernisation upon Japanese society had caused lacquerware to be considered unfashionable by the general populace. Lacquerers that continued in the industry had to find other creative means to promoting interest in their wares, often by modernising and improving old techniques through a shinier finish or greater range and vibrancy in colour. This piece exemplifies lacquer produced for the Western market due to the poor-quality of the lacquer and its colourful and busy design. The triangular shape of this box was common during the Nara period (710-784) but became more unusual during the Momoyama (1573-1615) and Edo (1615-1868) periods. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.150-1916 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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