Monk's robe storage box with fly whisk, 19th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Black lacquer with gold maki-e and lead inlayexpand_more
Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundationexpand_more 2015.79.401a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
This dramatic lacquer box (kesabako) stored a Buddhist monk's robe. The design on its lid represents a fly whisk (hossu) made of animal hair. Such whisks represented the Buddhist reverence for all life because they were used to gently brush away annoying insects without harming them. They also became symbolic of the enlightened mind; portraits of high ranking priests often illustrate the venerable master holding a hossu in the manner of a scepter.
In contrast to the powerful shape of the whisk hairs, depicted in lead inlay, the handle was elaborately rendered in delicate patterns of sprinkled gold powder.
Details
- Title
- Monk's robe storage box with fly whisk
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.79.401a,b
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 770
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our 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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