Basketry Box for Square Calligraphy Paper (Shikishibako) with Paulownia

Japan

Not on view

The light, durable bodies of Japanese lacquered basketry works (rantai shikki) were sometimes further decorated with designs in sprinkled gold powder (maki-e), transforming everyday objects into opulent treasures. This box, designed to hold square calligraphy paper (shikishi), bears large gold paulownia crests, a popular design from the late sixteenth to the early seventeenth century associated with the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536–1598).

Basketry Box for Square Calligraphy Paper (Shikishibako) with Paulownia, Lacquered bamboo basketry with gold hiramaki-e, Japan

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Basketry Box for Square Calligraphy Paper (Shikishibako) with Paulownia, Lacquered bamboo basketry with gold hiramaki-e, Japan
Basketry Box for Square Calligraphy Paper (Shikishibako) with Paulownia, Lacquered bamboo basketry with gold hiramaki-e, Japan

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