Stacked Food Box (Jūbako) with Taro Plants and Chrysanthemums 1834 - 1866

This Stacked Food Box, or Jūbako, was created by Shibata Zeshin, a leading lacquer artist in nineteenth-century Japan. It features taro plants and chrysanthemums. The box reflects the cultural significance of food presentation in Japan, where meals are meticulously arranged, underscoring social hierarchies and seasonal celebrations. Zeshin's choice of lacquer—a traditional material—connects his work to Japan’s rich artistic past. The taro plants and chrysanthemums depicted might be interpreted as symbols of abundance and longevity, reflecting the era's emphasis on prosperity and well-being. Nineteenth-century Japan faced substantial social and economic changes. The Meiji Restoration sought to modernize Japan while preserving its cultural identity. Zeshin's traditional art form reflects that complex negotiation between innovation and respect for the past. Historians examine period documents, accounts of social customs, and studies of artistic movements to understand works like this better. The meaning of this Jūbako is contingent upon this intersection of artistic tradition and social context.