No image available
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with the "First Song of Spring" (Hatsune) Chapter from the Tale of Genji (lid)
Writing Box (Suzuribako) with the "First Song of Spring" (Hatsune) Chapter from the Tale of Genji (lid)
early 1900s
Part of a set. See all set records
Japan, Meiji period
(1868-1912)
Lacquered wood with gold and silver sprinkled powder (maki-e), foil application (kirikane), and inlay
Overall: 22.8 x 26.7 cm (9 x 10 1/2 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Newman T. Halvorson 1970.28.b
Location
Download and Share
Description
The design of this box was inspired by an object in the lacquer wedding set of Chiyohime, the daughter of the shogun (ruler) in 1639. Information about the set became available in the Meiji period, leading some lacquer artists to emulate it. It features a scene from the chapter “Hatsune” (First Song) of the Tale of Genji, in which Prince Genji and his love Murasaki enjoy her garden. It incorporates the written characters hatsu (first, 初) and ne (sound, 音), indicating the first song of the warbler in spring, associated with the new year.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance information, is based on historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on objects is an ongoing process, but the information about this object may not reflect the most current information available to CMA. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
Is something not working on this page? Please email help.website@clevelandart.org.
Request a digital file from Image Services that is not available through CC0, a detail image, or any image with a color bar. If you have questions about requesting an image, please email imageservices@clevelandart.org.