Box for writing implements (suzuribako)

Object Details

• Label

  This small box, like the other on view here, was designed to hold writing materials. This example is decorated in two contrasting designs divided along the diagonal by a zigzag line. The contrast between the autumnal grasses and chrysanthemums against a black background and the circular silver and gold circular motifs creates a dynamic composition in a style made popular by artisans in Kyoto during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The water-dropper of enameled bronze is cast in the form of chrysanthemum blossoms. This piece was the first suzuribako to be acquired by the Sackler Gallery and is an important addition to the museum's small collection of pre-modern Japanese art.

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Gold: The Asian Touch (September 10, 2005 to February 20, 2006)

  Honoring Friends: Recent Gifts by Members of the Freer and Sackler Galleries (June 10 to November 25, 2001)

• Origin

  Japan

• Credit Line

  Purchase — funds provided by the Friends of Asian Arts

• Type

  Container

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1700s, 1710s, 1720s, 1770s, 1780s, 1790s, 1730s, 1570s, 1740s, 1750s, 1760s, 1800s, 1810s, 1820s, 1830s, 1610s, 1650s, 1640s, 1630s, 1620s, 1690s, 1840s, 1680s, 1850s, 1670s, 1860s, 1660s

• Place

  Japan

• Topic

  Art, Momoyama period (1573 - 1615), Chrysanthemum, Edo period, Japan, (1600 - 1868), Japanese Art, Lacquer, Writing

• Culture

  Japanese

• Object Type

  Containers