Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Box with fusenryō design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

Notable Works

Lacquerware

Box with fusenryō design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

National treasure

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Number of components: 1
Dimensions (in cm): W. 36.1, D. 26.1, H. 23.0
Date of production: Kamakura period 13th century

This sizeable box has a pronounced curve in the lid and body. The exterior is decorated with fusenryō medallions, a traditional circular flower motif, evenly spaced and worked in mother-of-pearl on a heavy coating of gold dust. Each medallion is composed of inlays of thirteen small pieces of four types of mother-of-pearl. The inside of the cover is richly decorated with an extremely detailed depiction of approximately 30 types of plant motifs done in the burnished maki-e technique (togidashi). As these boxes were also votive offerings to the gods, there are many gorgeous and exquisite examples. This one is a masterpiece of the Kamakura period when many fine pieces were made.

Notable Works

Box with fusenryō design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART