Inkstone Box with Horse and Crane Designs (Primary Title)
駿馬飛雁蒔絵硯箱 (Primary Title)
Unknown Japanese Artist (Artist)
This lacquer box consists of an inkstone, an inkwell, and a tray for holding tools for painting or calligraphy such as a writing brush, an inkstick, and a sharpening knife. The outer lid is lavishly painted in gold and silver with designs of horses under a cherry blossom tree while the inner lid features cranes flying around pine trees under the moon. The combination of painting and metal overlay represents early 19th-century Japanese lacquer techniques. Lacquer boxes like this were commissioned by feudal lords (daimyo) or noble members as wedding gifts or gifts for special events with wishes for prosperity and success.
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