

Incense boxes (kogo) with a wrapping cloth (fukusa), Edo period (1615–1868), 1808
Japan
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Japan
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
5 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (14 x 19.1 cm)
Seal (hand-stamped): Shunman
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (JP2113)
Two incense containers are depicted on this privately commissioned, high-quality New Year's print (surimono): one is fan shaped, carved in red lacquer, and depicts plum blossom motifs; the other, a tiered incense holder, is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay in the Somada style. The incense boxes are placed on a wrapping cloth that represents spring through the association with plum blossoms, and reflects the content of the poem appearing at the top of the print.







