Writing Box
CultureJapanese
Date19th century
MediumLacquer, metal, and stone
DimensionsOverall: 2 × 9 1/2 × 8 3/4 inches (5.08 × 24.13 × 22.23 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jean McGreevy Green and Moulton Green Jr.
Object number2011.2.A-F
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionA lacquer writing box consisting of box and cover, ink stone, and silver water dropper, the outside of the box finely decorated with fans and a koto zither floating on clouds in sprinkled gold dust (maki-e) and gold leaf, the interior of the lid decorated in gold and silver leaf relief (takamaki-e) and gold dust (maki-e) with a landscape with waterfall and pine, the interior of the box also decorated with a riverbank landscape with floral motifs in gold and inky blue. A=box bottom; B=lid; C=inkstone; D=water pot; E=top insert; F=bottom insertGallery Label
This writing box contains an ink stone for grinding ink, a water dropper and a small silver brush-rest in the form of two plum blossoms. Made from the sap of lacquer trees, lacquer is a lightweight and durable material that can be mixed with pigments. Although lacquered objects were first made in China, the Japanese developed unique decorative techniques, particularly the maki-e method in which gold and silver dust is carefully sprinkled on the lacquer while it is still damp.
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