桃山時代 幾何蒔絵螺鈿洋櫃|Chest with a Single Drawer

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Gold lacquer with hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay; gilt copper fittings · Asian Art

This spectacular chest belongs to a category of goods known as nanban (literally southern barbarians), produced for trade with Portugal and other European countries in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. While the shape of the chest derives from European traditions, the geometric patterns on the top and sides were most likely influenced by the Indian textiles that were widely traded at the time. On the other hand, the delicate floral scroll on the front is an East Asian motif, imported into Japan from China around the eighth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Gold lacquer with hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay; gilt copper fittings

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 2008