七宝繋根来彫香合|Incense Box (Kōgō) with Interlinked Circles (Shippō) Pattern

Unknown

early 17th century · Carved wood with red and black lacquer layers (carved Negoro ware) · Asian Art

Japanese artisans developed “Kamakura carving” in the Muromachi period (1392–1573) to imitate Chinese carved lacquer. In this technique, patterns are carved into wood and then coated with layers of red and black lacquer. The incense box here has an auspicious pattern of interlinked circles (shippō) in a continuous, chainlike motif that symbolizes prosperity and continuation. Moore often used the pattern to embellish silverware.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Carved wood with red and black lacquer layers (carved Negoro ware)

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891