Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties
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Important Cultural Property

Writing Box with a Courtly Carriage

御所車蒔絵硯箱
Writing Box with a Courtly Carriage (御所車蒔絵硯箱)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Lacquerware · Edo period, 17th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category
Lacquerware
Date
1601–1700
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-84433

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This box was crafted in the 1600s for storing brushes and other writing utensils. Its decoration reflects a longing for the golden age of the imperial court, which had ended centuries earlier. The lid, for example, is adorned with a courtly carriage and blooming chrysanthemums, which are closely associated with longevity and the imperial family.

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

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Writing Box with a Courtly Carriage（御所車蒔絵硯箱）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-84433. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/writing-box-with-a-courtly-carriage/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Category: Applied arts:Objects for daily life:Objects for writing:Writing boxes
  • Genre: Lacquerware
  • Material: Lacquered wood with [maki-e]
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • 員数: 1合
  • 分類: 漆工
  • 品質形状: 木製漆塗
  • 種別: 工芸:生活用具:文房具:硯箱

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