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Japanese Lacquer Box, Kobako, "The Ivy Way", Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan

About the Item

An exquisite Japanese tall lacquer box for incense implements, kobako, with a scene from The Tales of Ise, chapter 9, "The Ivy Way Through Mt. Utsu", Edo Period, mid 19th century, Japan. The tall rectangular accessory box, kobako, with a flush fitting lid and rounded edges. The kobako is decorated all over with a mountainous scene of golden hills filled with trailing ivy in gold, red, and brown and black lacquer. The cover of the box features a large oi, a backpack used by traveling mountain monks and pilgrims, the frame of silver, with further silver accents. Gold dusted clouds float against a black ro-iro lacquer ground. The interior and underside of the box covered in a dense gold nashiji ground. The oi and the ivy reference "The Ivy Way Through Mt. Utsu", from the 10th century Japanese classic, The Tales of Ise. In this part of the story, the protagonist travels along a narrow mountain pass overgrown with ivy through Mt. Utsu. He laments not being able to see his lover. Upon meeting a mountain monk, he composes a poem for him to take back to his wife. Kobako are small boxes made to hold items and utensils necessary for incense ceremonies, kodo. Provenance: Bonham's, NY
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Minor wear and scratches to the lacquer form handling, as seen in photos. The silver tarnished.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894734459022
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