Minneapolis Institute of Art

Medicine case with cranes and waves

Hara Yōyūsai; Designer: Sakai Hōitsu

Date

1810s–1820s

Medium

Black lacquer with gold and silver maki-e and shell inlay, silk cord

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Animals and insects come to life on these personal objects, some small enough to fit in one’s hands, and bring good luck to its owner. Since the 800s, the Japanese have developed and perfected a way to layer metals, shells, and other natural pigments to create designs on lacquer, a type of resin extracted from Japanese sumac. Lacquerware is not only beautiful but also durable and thus was used for a variety of objects, both utilitarian and fanciful. Asia

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