Japanese Lacquer Box, Kogo, Tale of Genji, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan

The small box of gold lacquer and wonderfully decorated with a scene in raised takamaki-e lacquer from the Tales of Genji, Chapter 13: Akashi.

This scene portrays Prince Genji on his way to meet the Akashi Lady for the first time. After many machinations and pressure from the Akashi Lady’s father, the former governor of Akashi convinces the Akashi Lady to receive Genji at her home. When Genji arrives, she refuses him entry, but allows him to hear her play the koto. Thus begins their short affair before Genji is recalled to the capital. The Akashi Lady will eventually give birth to Genji’s daughter, the future empress.

Genji is portrayed on horseback, dressed in sumptuous robes and a princely kanmuri hat. His horse dressed in attractive bright red tack. Genji rides under a full moon through a coastal terrain of rocky outcrops and flowering plants, water gently lapping to one side. His ever present attendant walking behind.

The interior and underside decorated in nashiji (pear skin) lacquer. The interior of the lid also with an attractive spray of stylized lotus leaves and blossoms.