Kodansu Small Chest
early 20th century
Medium
Enamel on silver, lacquer, and engraved silver
Dimensions
16 × 14 × 17.7 cm (6 1/4 × 5 1/2 × 7 in.)
Classification
lacquerware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
49303
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Arts of Asia collection at the Institute of Chicago, this *Kodansu Small Chest* the early 20th exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Japanese decorative arts. Measuring a compact 16 × 14 × 17.7 cm, chest—known as a *kodansu*—served as a portable storage for incense burners, tea utensils or other small ritual items, often used in the serene world of the Japanese tea ceremonychanoyu*). Its dimin size belies its elegant functionality, to grace intimate settings where beauty and utility harmonizeCrafted with enamel on silver, lacquer and engraved silver, the showcases masterful t...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...