Box for Writing Implements with Design of Kimono on Rack and Incense Burner
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Lacquer with silver and gold
Dimensions
a) cover: W. 8 3/16 in. (20.8 cm); L. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm) b) box: W. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); L. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) c) tray: W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 xm); L. 8 in. (20.3 cm) d) water container lid: Diam. 1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm) e) water container: Diam. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm) f) ink tray: W. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); L. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm) g-h) brushes: L. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
Classification
Lacquer
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The Museum of Modern Art, 1957
Accession Number
57.110a–h
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant lacquer writing box set, crafted by an unknown Japanese artist in the 19 century during the late Edo period (1615–1868), served as a portable desk for calligraphers and scholars. Titled *Box for Writing Implements with of a Kimono on Rack and Inc Burner*, it comprises lidded box, tray, water container ink tray, and two, with precise dimensions reflecting meticulous craftsmanship—such as the cover measuring 8⅞ inches long. The medium of lacquer adorned with silver and gold exemplifies Japan's renowned urushi lacquerware tradition, where layers of sap from the lacquer tree were pol...