Cleveland Museum of Art

Writing Table with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum

Date

1400s

Medium

Lacquered wood with gold and silver sprinkled powder (maki-e) and metal fittings

Culture

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

Department

Japanese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Low writing tables like this one were developed for use by those seated on the floor. They often had matching writing boxes. The table features the classic design of pine, bamboo, and plum, known together as the Three Friends of Winter. Indicating resilience in the face of harsh conditions, pine is evergreen, bamboo bends but does not break, and plum is the first flower to bloom in early spring. The plants are a metaphor for strength of character. The trunks of the pine and plum are visible through the silver slopes of the ground plain.

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