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Poem Box (tanzakubako)

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Poem Box (tanzakubako)
Poem Box (tanzakubako)

Poem Box (tanzakubako)

Place of OriginJapan
DateEdo Period (1615-1868)
Dimensions15 7/16 x 3 5/8 x 1 3/4 in.
MediumLacquer with togidashi decoration, gold and silver fundame, kirikane, scattered nashiji on glossy black ground.
ClassificationUtilitarian Objects
Credit LineGift of H.A. Fee
Object number
1952.42A-C
Not on View
Collections
  • Decorative Arts
Label TextThis poem box is decorated with the seven flowers of autumn, which are symbolic of human frailty and the coming of death. The poem within the box is by an old man who looks back upon his life and realizes his many imperfections. Togidashi is gold or silver decoration under several layers of polished transparent lacquer (hardened tree sap).

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