Untitled

Unknown

19th century · Tortoiseshell on wood with sprinkled gold lacquer · Asian Art

This personal cabinet for the pastime of comparing fragrances is decorated with motifs that evoke seasonal fragrances. On the nested boxes, the plum blossom evokes the delicate scent that gladdens winter and augurs spring. On the tray, summer pinks and mallow recall sharper fragrances, and the heady perfume of ripening grapes attracts a dragonfly on the outer cabinet, signaling the coming of autumn.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Tortoiseshell on wood with sprinkled gold lacquer

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929