Inkstone Box (Suzuribako) and Document Box (Ryōshibako)

1923

Not on view

This set of document and writing boxes from 1923, complete with an inkstone and water dropper, seems to signal Iizuka Hōsai II’s intention to express himself creatively by making distinctly Japanese-style objects; this type of set is not used in China. In Japan, such boxes are typically made by lacquer masters, who embellish them with maki-e or mother-of-pearl inlay. The tight, meticulous plaiting here reflects the artist’s experience with Chinese-style (karamono) pieces, but the interiors are decorated with fine gold maki-e, an unusually luxurious finish for a bamboo work and one that is also unmistakably Japanese. According to a note preserved with the boxes, he made them as replicas of originals presented to the Meiji emperor.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

二代飯塚鳳斎造　硯筥・料紙文筥
Title: Inkstone Box (Suzuribako) and Document Box (Ryōshibako)
Artist: Iizuka Hōsai II (Japanese, 1872–1934)
Period: Taishō period (1912–26)
Date: 1923
Culture: Japan
Medium: Timber bamboo, rattan, lacquer, and gold powder
Dimensions: Writing box: H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); W. 8 15/16 in. (22.7 cm); L. 11 5/16 in. (28.8 cm)
Document box: H. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm); W. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); L. 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm)
Classification: Bamboo
Credit Line: Gift of Diane and Arthur Abbey, 2019
Object Number: 2019.424.14a–h
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Shrine Cabinet in the shape of a Mountain Monk’s Backpack (Oi), Iizuka Hōsai II Japanese, Timber bamboo and dwarf bamboo, lacquer, Japan — Shrine Cabinet in the shape of a Mountain Monk’s Backpack (Oi)
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