Writing Box (Suzuribako) with the Poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro

18th century

Not on view

There was a long tradition of imaginary portraits of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (ca. 660–724), among Japan’s greatest poets. Here, he leans on an armrest, immersed in thought—a pose first used in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Depicting distant sails, morning fog, and the coastal pines of Akashi Bay, the interior of the box references Hitomaro’s most famous waka, compiled in 905 in the Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern (Kokin wakashū).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

柿本人麻呂蒔絵硯箱
Title: Writing Box (Suzuribako) with the Poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e and cutout gold- and silver-foil application; lead rim
Dimensions: L. 9 5/8 in.(24.5 cm); W.9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm); H.2 in. (5.1 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.19a–e
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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