East Asian Art Lidded Sutra Box with Design of Peonies, Leafy
Fronds, and Long-Tailed BirdsMade in Japan, Asia Momoyama Period
(1568-1615), Late 16th century Artist/maker unknown, Japanese
Black lacquer on wood with gold lacquer decoration Currently not
on view 2002-197-1a,bPurchased with the Hollis Family Foundation
Fund, 2002 LabelThis box was made to contain sutras, the sacred
texts of Buddhism. The gold lacquer motif on the lid and sides
is the so-called hosoge karakusa pattern: the imaginary hosoge
(jewel-faced flower) is probably based on the peony and is
closely associated with Buddhism, while karakusa (Chinese
grasses) refers to the vine motifs that originated with the
early Buddhist implements imported to Japan in the sixth
century. The floral design was created by sprinkling a light
layer of gold dust on a ground of black lacquer.