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Title

Miniature armour box ('karabitsu') with design of cranes on a fan-shape reserve

late 19th century-early 20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Miniature armour box ('karabitsu') with design of cranes on a fan-shape reserve by
Alternate image of Miniature armour box ('karabitsu') with design of cranes on a fan-shape reserve by
  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Japan
    Period
    Meiji period 1868 - 1912 → Japan
    Date
    late 19th century-early 20th century
    Media category
    Lacquerware
    Materials used
    wood, gold lacquer, 'aogai' and metal inlay
    Dimensions
    20.5 x 32.2 x 24.4 cm
    Signature & date

    Signed: Yoyusai (authenticity doubtful)

    Credit
    Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Lesley Kehoe 2009
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    183.2009.a-b
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    A well executed and decorative lidded lacquer box on four legs, featuring design of cranes on a fan-shaped reserve in 'hira' and 'takamakie', with 'aogai' inlay and gold lacquer 'mon' decoration. A feature of the lacquer decoration is the green incised wave decoration associated with Seigai Manshichi and later Shibata Zeshin.

    Boxes of this shape were used for the storage of armour. It is suggested that this smaller version was associated with the Boys’ Festival of May 5 each year.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, April 2009.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Japan