Presentation Box with Lion and Peony Design
CultureJapanese
Date17th-18th century
MediumLacquer, wood, mother-of-pearl, and basketry
DimensionsOverall: 10 1/2 × 29 1/2 × 19 1/2 inches (26.67 × 74.93 × 49.53 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the Paulina and Robert Everitt Fund
Object numberF69-17
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelThe Ryūkyū Islands (present-day Okinawa prefecture in Japan) were an independent kingdom prior to 1879. To maintain their independence, they were required to present tribute gifts and diplomatic proclamations, which would have been presented in boxes like this to their more powerful neighbors, China and Japan. Lacquer work from this area was famous, so the box itself would have been as valued as its contents.
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