Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Pine, Camellia, and Bamboo
Unknown Artist
1400s
Medium
Lacquered wood with gold and silver sprinkled powder (maki-e), stone, and metal
Dimensions
24.2 × 22.6 cm
Classification
Lacquer
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1969.124
About this artwork
Japanese writing boxes are designed to hold all the tools for traditional calligraphy, including an inkstone, water dropper, ink cake, and brushes. This box retains its inkstone and water dropper, the latter of which has a design of camellia and pine, matching the late winter, early spring lacquer motifs on the lid.