Box with tray 17th century

This "Box with Tray" of unknown date was made by Higashiyawa Yohimasa. It’s a modest sized box, at just over 6 inches tall and less than 10 inches wide. The surface is decorated with a scene, perhaps a landscape, depicted in muted metallic tones of bronze and gold. The lack of contrasting colors or bold imagery is notable, suggesting an aesthetic rooted in subtlety and restraint. We might reflect on how such artistry was historically tied to elite circles and how it speaks to cultural values around refinement, contemplation, and harmony with nature. It reflects upon the Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi," which embraces imperfection and impermanence. Consider too, how the intimate scale invites a personal interaction, transforming it into a vessel of quiet reflection.