松竹桜家紋蒔絵眉作箱|Cosmetic Box (Mayudzukuri-bako) with Pine, Bamboo, and Cherry Blossoms from a Wedding Set

Unknown

early 19th century · Lacquered wood with gold, silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, cut-out gold and silver foil application on nashiji (“pear-skin”) ground · Asian Art

This lacquer box for eyebrow cosmetics, including a variety of brushes, was part of a spectacular wedding trousseau. It was commissioned to celebrate the marriage of Princess Taka (1809–1862) of the Shimazu clan (one of the wealthiest and most politically influential daimyo families of the time) to a son of the Matsudaira clan, relatives of the Tokugawa. The two family crests on the piece—the Shimazu cross in a circle and the Matsudaira stylized plum flower—symbolize the union. The pine and bamboo motifs are auspicious symbols associated with longevity and resilience and allude to good wishes for a happy marriage.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 19th century

Medium

Lacquered wood with gold, silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, cut-out gold and silver foil application on nashiji (“pear-skin”) ground

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2018