Portable Stationery and Cosmetic Box (Tabi kushi-bako) with Moon and Autumn Grasses

Japan

Not on view

The composition on this box recalls bright moonlight shining on an autumn field. The custom of holding moon-viewing parties (tsukimi) in the autumn is thought to have begun in Japan among aristocrats during the Heian period (794–1185), but later became more common. While participants contemplated the full moon, sake was offered in prayer for an abundant harvest. Poetry composition was often also part of the celebration. The style of the maki-e decoration on this box follows that of the Momoyama-period (1573–1615) Kōdaiji lacquers created in Kyoto for the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598).

Portable Stationery and Cosmetic Box (Tabi kushi-bako) with Moon and Autumn Grasses, Lacquered wood with gold and silver togidashimaki-e, hiramaki-e, e-nashiji, and pewter inlay, Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.