Tebako box with tortoise, crane, and plum blossom design
Japan, unknown artist, Tebako box with tortoise, crane, and plum blossom design, late 16th century, lacquered wood with maki-e (sprinkled gold and metallic powder) decoration, The John Yeon Collection; Gift of Richard Louis Brown, public domain, 2007.81
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Tebako box with tortoise, crane, and plum blossom design
- Related Titles
original language: 蒔絵手箱
- Artist
- Date
late 16th century
- Period
Japan: Muromachi period (1333-1573)
Japan: Momoyama period (1573-1615)
- Medium
lacquered wood with maki-e (sprinkled gold and metallic powder) decoration
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
7 1/2 in x 12 3/4 in x 9 1/2 in
- Collection Area
Asian Art
- Category
Lacquerware
- Object Type
box
- Culture
Japanese
- Credit Line
The John Yeon Collection; Gift of Richard Louis Brown
- Accession Number
2007.81
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
In East Asia, the crane and tortoise symbolize long life, while plum blossoms are associated with virtue. This rare and important casket would have held a wealthy person’s personal belongings.
- Exhibitions
2017 Quest for Beauty: The Architecture, Landscapes, and Collections of John Yeon Portland Art Museum