Box
Artist
Maker unknown
(Japanese)
Date1800-1900
MediumCarved ivory
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 × 2 × 2 1/8in. (4.4 × 5.1 × 5.4cm)
ClassificationsCONTAINERS
Credit LineProctor Collection
Object numberPC. 742.5
DescriptionIvory oval box with finely carved blooming chrysanthemum flowers on the lid, and body.On View
Not on viewCollections
Copyright<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc/4.0/80x15.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
Label TextChrysanthemums represent various concepts in traditional Japanese symbology, including majesty, perfection and long life; it is still the Imperial symbol. The sixteen layered chrysanthemum came to symbolize the Japanese Imperial Family after Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239 CE) of the late Heian period chose the chrysanthemum as his personal emblem, applying the flower design to his sword and everyday utensils. This example is a very intricately carved box made of ivory. The cover and sides are deeply carved in a chrysanthemum pattern extending from the center of the top all the way down to the lower edge. The pattern matches perfectly at the seam.
