Crown Box with Cranes and Pine Branches in Makie (Sacred Treasure from Asuka Shrine)

This crown box was originally one of the ancient Sacred Treasures (J., kojinbô) preserved in Asuka Shrine, a branch of the Kumano Sokutama Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture. According to old records, it was dedicated in 1390 (Meitoku 1). The slightly convex lid, square with indented corners, is refined in shape. The motifs are executed on a black lacquer ground sprinkled with silver powder, in what is called the gin hiramakie technique. Pine boughs and cranes flying about constitute an auspicious design. As its title indicates, the box was made to hold a crown, which is also extant.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.