Incense Box

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At A Glance

Period

15th century
Geography

Japan
Material

Red and black lacquer on carved wood (Kamakura-bori)
Dimension

H x Diam (overall): 8.3 x 24.4 cm (3 1/4 x 9 5/8 in)
Accession Number

F1967.9a-d
EDAN ID

edanmdm:fsg_F1967.9a-d

Object Details

Label

This large incense box is one of the earliest surviving examples of Kamakura-bori, a Japanese technique of carving patterns into wood, then applying layers of black and red lacquer. Many early Kamakura-bori pieces were made for use in Zen Buddhist rituals in which they substituted for scarce and precious carved lacquers imported from China.
Provenance

?-1966

Setsu Gatodo, Tokyo, Japan, method of acquisition unknown [1]

From 1967

Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Setsu Gatodo, Tokyo, Japan [2]

Notes:

[1] See object file for copy of Freer GalThlery of Art vault record, vault number V57.66 dated April 22, 1966, showing that the object was received from Setsu Gatodo. The object is described as “lacquer incense box Kamakura period”. Additionally, see also copy of U. S. Treasure Department Special Customs Invoice, Bureau of Customs, dated April 14, 1966, showing that the object was shipped from Setsu Gatodo to the Freer Gallery of Art on April 10, 1966, via Japan Air Lines. Setsu Gatodo was a Tokyo gallery specializing in Asian art and antiquities. It was founded by Inosuke Setsu and managed largely by his son Iwao.

[2] See object file for copy of Setsu Gatodo invoice to the Freer Gallery of Art, dated March 20, 1967, and approved by the Secretary on June 15, 1966.

Research updated August 8, 2023
Collection

Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History

Mind Over Matter: Zen in Medieval Japan (March 5, 2022 - July 24, 2022)

Zen, Tea, and Chinese Art in Medieval Japan (December 13, 2014 to June 14, 2015)

The Idea of China in Japan: The Tea Ceremony in Japan (December 19, 1999 to June 11, 2000)

Japanese Screens (May 9, 1993 to November 13, 1995)

Japanese Art (November 7, 1986 to July 19, 1988)

Japanese and Chinese Lacquer (September 22, 1982 to June 30, 1983)

Japanese Lacquer (18 May 1980 to 15 June 1980)

Japanese Lacquer (April 16, 1979 to October 8, 1980)

Chinese and Japanese Art--Lacquer and Paintings (August 18, 1967 to October 14, 1969)
Previous custodian or owner

Setsu Gatodo Co., Ltd. (1973-1983)
Origin

Japan
Credit Line

Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Type

Container
Restrictions and Rights

Usage Conditions Apply

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