Box with Joan van Hoorn’s coat of arms c. 1700 - 1710

This octagonal box, made around 1700-1710, is a striking example of Japanese lacquerwork. The lid features Joan van Hoorn’s coat of arms in gold, while the body is adorned with a delicate scene of figures and birds amidst blossoming trees. The gold leaf and intricate details showcase the skill of anonymous Japanese artisans, who produced these boxes for export during the Edo period. This piece, now in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the enduring fascination with Japanese art in Europe during this time.