Tiered Food Box with Summer and Autumn Fruits 1850 - 1900

This tiered food box, made by Shibata Zeshin, is a stunning example of Japanese lacquerware. The box is decorated with summer and autumn fruits; the objects' rectangular structure is softened by the organic shapes painted across the panels. The dark lacquer provides a rich backdrop, enhancing the vibrancy and luminosity of the fruits, leaves, and flowers. Zeshin contrasts light and dark tonalities and creates a captivating interplay between the box's form and decorative elements. The box's structure is articulated through delicate gold lines that accentuate each tier. They also provide a subtle contrast with the deep, lustrous lacquer. Here, Zeshin uses the semiotics of seasonal fruits to present a visual language celebrating nature's bounty. The surface transcends its utilitarian function, evolving into a canvas where aesthetic value and cultural significance converge. Its value lies in its exquisite craftsmanship and its ability to capture a deep appreciation for the natural world.