Japanese Gold and Black Lacquer Box with Carp
DateMeiji Period, 1868 - 1912
Object NameBox
Mediumwood and lacquer
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 30 × 82 × 52mm
AcquisitionPresented in 1973 by the Misses Duguid.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS000598
About MeThis small gold and black lacquer box is in the form of a figure-of-eight, which is a holy number in Japanese culture. The cover of the box features a pair of carp (koi), which symbolise perseverance and faithfulness in marriage. The sides of the box are decorated with gold bamboo shoots which represent endurance. Lacquerware originated in China at the beginning of the 4th century B.C. It is made from the sap of the native tree Rhus Vernicifera, which produces a varnish that is used either on its own or applied to a number of media including wood, fabric, bronze, and porcelain.
In addition to carving, lacquer was also inlaid and painted. Black or deep rich brown lacquer, which imitated tortoiseshell, was a popular background for mother of pearl, hardstone and metal inlays as well as rich gold handpainted decoration.
In Japan, decorative lacquerware was made just a few centuries after the Chinese, around the 6th century A.D. As in China, the Japanese produced red and black lacquer but is particularly associated with the latter.
Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Edo Period, late 19th century
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
