Clam Shells Decorated with Scenes of a Tale
Original Language Title貝合わせ
CultureJapanese
Dateearly 19th century
MediumInk and colors on gold paper on clam shell
DimensionsOverall: 7/8 x 3 3/4 x 2 7/8 inches (2.21 x 9.53 x 7.29 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Robert S. Hardie in memory of his wife, Mayte B. Hardie
Object numberF93-10/2 C
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionOne of fifty clam shells. The shells are slightly smaller than a human palm, decorated with paintings on gold paper pasted to the iridescent inside surface. The top and bottom portions of the paper of each shell is embossed with hexagonal patterns. The images in the middle are mostly interior scenes with figures in bright Japanese costume. Men appear in rigid court robes. Women's long black hair streams down their backs. The paintings are peeling off at the edge. The shells were formerly stored in two gridded wooden boxes, 25 in each.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
