Writing Box with Mount Hatsuse

This is a “writing box,” used to store inkstones, brushes and other writing implements. It is thought that boxes of this type were first produced in Japan during the 10th century. Most were made of wood, and some were decorated using techniques such as lacquer work, designs created by sprinkling gold powder onto a lacquered surface, or mother-of-pearl work, patterns formed of cut pieces of mother-of-pearl inlaid into a surface. The contents of the boxes gradually became more standardized, as did the designs on the implements and the inner and outer surfaces. More compact, refined boxes began to be produced. These improved boxes eventually became an essential part of any writing set. Highly ornate writing boxes with sophisticated designs were popular among aristocrats, Buddhist priests, samurai, and other powerful figures who made use of writing. Take a look at this writing box. It is made entirely of wood and has a lacquered surface with designs in gold and silver. Above the inkstone sits a bronze water dropper designed to hold the water used when making ink on the inkstone. The two shallow containers to either side of the inkstone are removable and probably held brushes, small knives, and other tools. The surface of the lid features a large design of a tree-covered mountain peak with a large full moon behind it. Large cherry blossoms are depicted across the mountain, suggesting that it is a famous spot for cherry trees.

It is thought to have been inspired by a waka poem describing Mount Hatsuse and the moon that was published in a collection compiled in the 15th century. Mount Hatsuse is in Nara Prefecture and has been renowned for its cherry trees since ancient times. The inner surface of the box features a design of a gibbon attempting to grasp a crescent moon reflected in the water. This design satirizes the foolishness of pursuing an unattainable desire and has its source in Buddhist teachings. The 15th century saw the production of many compact writing boxes with advanced techniques for applying precious metals and featuring designs taken from classical literature. In this example, powdered gold has been applied in varying degrees of thickness and sheets of silver were used to form the moon. The composition, however, features boldly clipped close-ups of its motifs and hints at stylistic changes to come. Japan’s literate upper classes stored writing utensils in black-lacquered boxes, which were often decorated with designs from classical literature. This one features a moonlit scene possibly inspired by the following poem: On Mount Hatsuse / a spring breeze scatters the blossoms / as the moon lingers above a cloudless peak.

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