源氏物語草紙蒔絵香箱|Incense Box (kōbako) in the Shape of Five Volumes of The Tale of Genji

Unknown

late 19th century · Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer · Asian Art

This refined incense box in the shape of five books bound by a brocade cover bears the tale’s title in Japanese, Genji monogatari. The brocade design features medallion-shaped Chinese lions, peonies, and scattered “auspicious treasures.” The incense tray inside is embellished with a rolled-up bamboo blind and an attached “medicine ball” (kusudama), a hanging ornament that served as an amulet.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashimaki-e, cutout gold- and silver-foil application, and red and green lacquer

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. George A. Crocker (Elizabeth Masten), 1937