Incense Ceremony Tools and Box

Currently not on view

Incense Ceremony Tools and Box

1790

Nakamoto (Japanese (active Choshu))

The cutting block, saw, chisels, mallet, and knife in this box are tools for preparing incense. A popular pastime among the aristocrats of early Japan was a game that tested skills in matching various incenses by their fragrance. The circular crest of three hollyhock leaves indicates this box was made for a member of the Tokugawa shogun’s family, perhaps as part of a bride’s dowry.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Incense Ceremony Tools and Box

Date:

1790

Artist:

Nakamoto (Japanese (active Choshu))

Medium:

Wood and metal with lacquer and gilt decoration

Dimensions:

Box (a,b): 3 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 6 3/4 inches (9.5 x 29.8 x 17.1 cm) Cutting Block (c; width): 3 1/8 inches (7.9 cm) Saw (d; length): 10 7/8 inches (27.6 cm) Mallet (e; length): 8 inches (20.3 cm) Knife (f; length): 8 3/8 inches (21.3 cm) Small Chisel (g; length): 5 inches (12.7 cm) Large Chisel (h; length): 5 3/4 inches (14.6 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Henry B. Keep Fund, 1988

Accession Number:

1988-86-1a--h

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Currently not on view