painted and gilded leather pouch with designs of large nosed Portuguese men in a landscape; man in boat on water on one side; men in front of a stylized building opposite; metal elephant clasp on one side

Tobacco Pouch with Nanban Figures, first half 19th century

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Gilt leather was introduced to Japan from Europe in the seventeenth century. Inspired by these imported goods, Japanese artisans experimented and developed new techniques, producing works such as this tobacco pouch that uses gold paint, gold foil, and multicolored lacquer to depict a scene of decidedly non-Japanese figures, fauna, and flora. The metal fitting was created by the prominent machibori (lit. town carver) Hamano Noriyuki, an independent metal worker who was not employed by a lord and is famous for his sword fittings.

Details
Title
Tobacco Pouch with Nanban Figures
Artist Life
1771 - 1852
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.450
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 841
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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painted and gilded leather pouch with designs of large nosed Portuguese men in a landscape; man in boat on water on one side; men in front of a stylized building opposite; metal elephant clasp on one side