A suebako

MUROMACHI PERIOD, (16TH CENTURY)

Details

A suebako
Muromachi Period, (16th Century)
A box for esoteric Buddhist implements and sutras, the exterior of the wooden box is covered with gilt copper sheet, decorated in kebori and nanako with karakusa and shippo designs, three rimbo [Buddhist wheel] mon, secured by domed copper rivets applied to each side and two to each end
13 x 4.13/16 x 10.3/8in. (35 x 12.3 x 26.3cm.)

Lot Essay

Having no covers these are, despite the name, actually trays rather than boxes. A 15th Century example is illustrated in Japanese Art Masterpieces in the British Museum, no.27. Two others, one called a "sessobako" and the other two "denkyobako", are illustrated in the Tokyo National Museum Special Exhibition: "Oriental Lacquer Arts", nos. 66, 83 and 84.

More from Japanese

View All