Tray with a Hoo-Bird and Paulownia 1700 - 1800

This is an anonymous tray, inlaid with gold lacquer, depicting a hoo-bird and paulownia tree. Given the absence of the artist’s name, it is hard to disentangle whose beliefs and experiences shaped this tray. I would encourage you to imagine the circumstances surrounding its creation. At the time, Japan was a highly stratified society, with rigid class distinctions. Lacquerware production was often a collaborative effort, involving designers, woodworkers, and lacquerers, each with their own level of skill and social standing. Who were these people? What were their daily lives like? How did their identities shape the creation and perception of this object? The hoo-bird, a mythical creature symbolizing immortality and good fortune, is paired with the paulownia, often associated with the imperial family. These are traditional symbols, but in the hands of an anonymous artist, they take on new meaning. Consider how the use of traditional motifs can either reinforce or challenge existing social hierarchies and cultural norms. While its original function remains unknown, contemplate its place in society. This tray becomes a symbol of both personal expression and cultural identity.