富士飛雁蒔絵硯箱|Box for Inkstone and Writing Implements (Suzuribako) with Geese against Mount Fuji in Moonlight and (inner lid) with Plovers by the Seashore

Unknown

early to mid-19th century · Black lacquer ground with gold and silver maki-e · Asian Art

Japan's most famous scenic view is rendered here in finely sprinkled gold and silver of varied grades. Seen beneath a full moon, the distant bird's-eye perspective encompasses Mount Fuji rising above clouds beyond a vast landscape. A formation of geese confirms the autumnal note of the moon; the pine-studded sandbar in the foreground waters evokes Miho no Matsubara, a nearby scenic place often associated with views of Fuji.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early to mid-19th century

Medium

Black lacquer ground with gold and silver maki-e

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881