Writing Box (Suzuri-Bako) with Design of a Deer

Gallery 342, Asian Art, third floor

Main Building

Writing Box (Suzuri-Bako) with Design of a Deer

Early 17th century

Attributed to Hon'ami Kōetsu (Japanese, 1558–1637)

The theme used for the design of this box is taken from classical Japanese poetry, where autumn is often associated with the foliage turning to brilliant hues in the mountain hillsides of Japan. The cry of the deer, lonely for its mate and piercing the silence of the hills, has inspired generations of poets and artists. The motif of scattered autumn leaves carries over into the interior of the box, which is equipped with a water dropper and stone used for preparing ink.

Gallery 342, Asian Art, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Writing Box (Suzuri-Bako) with Design of a Deer

Date:

Early 17th century

Artist:

Attributed to Hon'ami Kōetsu (Japanese, 1558–1637)

Medium:

Lacquer on wood with lead and mother-of-pearl inlay

Dimensions:

Width: 11 5/8 inches (29.5 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Gift of the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1992

Accession Number:

1992-7-1a--d

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Gallery 342, Asian Art, third floor

Main Building

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