野葡萄九曜紋蒔絵黒棚|Shelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family Crest

Unknown

first half 17th century · Lacquered wood with gold, silver hiramaki-e · Asian Art

This four-tiered shelf was likely part of a high-ranking bride’s trousseau. The kurodana was used for the display and storage of cosmetic boxes and toiletries, including the utensils necessary for tooth blackening (haguro), the sign of a married woman. This example’s black-lacquer surface features a pattern of wild grapevines and the nine-circle or star crest (kuyō mon), which might be associated with the Hosokawa family. The couturière Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883–1971) owned numerous Chinese Coromandel and Japanese gold lacquer folding screens. The contrast of their lustrous black coating, gold and silver, and inlaid decoration influenced some of her compositions.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half 17th century

Medium

Lacquered wood with gold, silver hiramaki-e

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015