HIGHLIGHTS

Section 3
Tebako Boxes of the Kamakura Period

The Kamakura period (1192-1333) saw the accomplishment of the three fundamental techniques of togidashi maki-e (polished-out maki-e), hiramaki-e (low relief maki-e), and takamaki-e (high relief maki-e), owing to technological advances in the manufacture of maki-e powder. In particular, the development of marufun (lit. round powder) resulted in the development of an intensely shiny gold ground known as kin ikakeji. Many masterpieces of large tebako (boxes for cosmetic accessories or other personal belongings), along with their contents, have survived from this period.
　One of the characteristics of maki-e in the Kamakura period is uta-e (lit. poem-picture) based on Japanese and Chinese poetry. Key characters are skillfully hidden in the design, thereby helping the viewer to identify which Japanese or Chinese poem is being alluded to. By contrast, some works are decorated with yūsoku (aristocratic) patterns or scattered geometric patterns, revealing a new predisposition towards designs using an assortment of motifs with certain regularity.

  • Important Cultural Property
    Tebako Box with Auspicious Motifs from the Poem “Palace of Longevity” in Maki-e    Kamakura period, 14th century / The Tokugawa Art Museum, Aichi
    On View from April 15 to May 28
  • Important Cultural Property
    Tebako Box with Scattered Crests of Cypress Fans in Maki-e    Kamakura period, 13th–14th century / Tokyo National Museum
    Image: TNM Image Archives
    On View from April 15 to May 7
  • Important Cultural Property
    Tebako Box with Figures and Landscape in Maki-e    Kamakura period, 14th century / MOA Museum of Art, Shizuoka
    On View from May 9 to 28
  • Important Cultural Property
    Tebako Box with Scattered Fans in Maki-e    Muromachi period, 15th century / Tokyo National Museum
    Image: TNM Image Archives
    On View from April 15 to May 7
Section 4