Cleveland Museum of Art

Cosmetics Box with Chrysanthemums (lid)

Date

early 1300s

Medium

lacquer on wood

Culture

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

Department

Japanese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In China, the chrysanthemum was historically appreciated for its association with the Double Nine Festival and the reclusive life of the poet Tao Yuanming (AD 365-427). In Japan, the 16-petaled chrysanthemum came to symbolize the Japanese imperial family after Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239) chose the motif as his personal emblem, having it applied to his sword and everyday utensils. This box proves that the flower also appeared on lacquer wares as early as the Kamakura period. In Japanese, this type of small box is called a tebako , literally a hand box, and was typically part of a cosmetics set.

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