Small round box (natsume)
ca. 1850
This small but exquisite work is a perfect example of a combination of various techniques and the effectiveness of metallic decoration on the jet-black lacquer background. Trees in the foreground were created using a raised maki-e technique; distant trees, which look flat, result from a burnished maki-e technique. Three crows on the cover are inlaid silver-copper alloy, and two herons on the side are inlaid silver. Gold leaf highlights the tree trunks.
Lacquer
2 in. (5.1 cm)
Diam.: 8.6 cm
Gift of the Robert B. and Honey Dootson Collection
91.131
