Suntory Museum of Art
About the Museum
Collection
Notable Works
Tiered box with hydrangea design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

Notable Works

Lacquerware

Tiered box with hydrangea design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

Click on the photograph for a larger image

Number of components: 1
Dimensions (in cm): W. 22.5, D. 20.5, H. 25.0
Date of production: Edo period 17th century

A single scene of hydrangea and an arched bridge across rapids is depicted on all four sides of the box in hiramaki-e gold work on black lacquer. The hydrangea also fans out on top of the lid. The continuity, the composition that appears to project from the surface, and the fast-flowing stream depicted with lines of differing thickness and spacing create an extremely dynamic and lively impression. In addition to the kakiwari technique, reserving black lines against the maki-e areas, and harigaki engraving, reddish gold dust has been used to create three-dimensional effects in the leaf veins and the lines of the bridge. The flowers of the hydrangea are accented with mother-of pearl inlays.

Notable Works

Tiered box with hydrangea design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART