Writing Box with a Bird and Flowers

The practice of using a low writing table with a matching writing box was common in Japan. This work features Chinese mother-of-pearl inlay techniques, but was probably made to fulfill a special order from Japan. On the surface of this lacquerware, thin slices of shell cut out to certain shapes have been artfully arranged into a pattern through the mother-of-pearl inlay technique. Many such works with intricate patterns were produced in China. The shells give this type of lacquerware a brilliant white sparkle. This set was made in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty, and consists of a stationary stand and a writing box. The stationary stand was intended to hold small pieces of paper and other writing supplies. In addition to the inkstone, the writing box also holds a water vessel for replenishing water for ink, a handle to hold an ink stick, a small knife for cutting and piercing paper, an awl, and other items.

Creating such a set of a stationary stand and writing box is something unique to Japan, suggesting that this item was produced in China for a Japanese customer. All items in a stationary stand and writing box set were typically produced with the same design. This work also shares the samemother-of-pearl inlay design with birds and flowers. Look closely. The feathers of the bird have been individually inlaid, the camellia leaves are shown as silhouettes, and even the crackled texture of the pine tree bark is carefully portrayed. Can you see the small writing among the roots of the pine in the lower left-hand corner of the stationary stand? This is thought to be the author’s name.

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