Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1600–30 · Gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay on black lacquer; gilt-bronze fittings · Asian Art

This coffer belongs to a category of Japanese goods known as namban (literally, southern barbarians) that were produced in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century for trade with Portugal and other European countries. The shape derives from European chests, while the decoration illustrates an awareness of Indian designs transmitted via such trade goods as lacquers and textiles.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1600–30

Medium

Gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay on black lacquer; gilt-bronze fittings

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015