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Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia (lid)
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The only place the mythical phoenix will perch is in the paulownia tree. Along with the dragon, the bird is a symbol of imperial power in East Asia. This box––a container for an inkstone, brushes, and ink––is both functional and lavish, its dramatic effects achieved with a pear-skin ground decoration (<em>nashiji</em>) and sprinkled powder decoration in high relief (<em>takamaki-e</em>).
| Artist / Maker | Japan, Momoyama period (1573–1615) |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1573–99 |
| Culture / Origin | Japan, Momoyama period (1573–1615) |
| Medium | Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold and silver powder (maki-e) and gold and silver foil application |
| Dimensions | 4 x 20.5 x 23.5 cm (1 9/16 x 8 1/16 x 9 1/4 in.) |
| Department | Japanese Art |
| Type | Lacquer |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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