Writing Box with a Chintz Pattern, Inai Guokuho, c. 1910 - c. 1925

Writing Box with a Chintz Pattern, Inai Guokuho, c. 1910 - c. 1925

lacquering, h 4.3cm × w 24cm × d 21.3cm More details

The graceful pattern on this box is derived from the colourful, woodblock-printed fabric (chintz, in Japanese sarasa), which the Dutch East India Company had brought to Japan in previous centuries. The cream-coloured ground reflects the natural colour of the cotton cloth. As white lacquer could not yet be produced, Gyokuho used ground shells for this.

Make your own creations with this work