Tiered Box (Jūbako) with Design of Boats and Plovers 1850 - 1899

This tiered box, or "jūbako," was crafted by Shibata Zeshin, a prominent Japanese lacquer artist of the 19th century. The box is a beautiful example of Zeshin's mastery of the maki-e technique, where gold and silver powder are sprinkled onto a wet lacquer base, creating a three-dimensional effect. The design features boats and plovers, a common theme in Japanese art that symbolizes travel and good fortune. Zeshin's precise craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the intricate patterns and the realistic depiction of the birds and boats. This jūbako, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistry and sophistication of Japanese lacquerware during the Edo period.