Chest c. 1635 - 1645

This lavish chest was crafted by the Koami workshop, a group of artisans in Japan renowned for their skills in lacquerware. The chest’s surface bursts with scenes of figures amidst architectural and landscape details, meticulously rendered in gold against a black lacquer background. When looking at the cultural context of the chest, we can observe the influence of Japan's historical events, social classes, and economic structures. It is plausible that this level of embellishment would have been commissioned by someone from a higher social class. The chest also alludes to the complex power dynamics and international trade relationships that defined Japan during this era. As a historian, I am interested in investigating the materials and techniques used, consulting historical records of trade and cultural exchange, and examining similar objects across different collections. By doing so, we can better understand how this chest operated within its own time.