Incense Box (Kōgō) with Interlinked Circles (Shippō) Pattern

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 199

Japanese artisans developed “Kamakura carving” in the Muromachi period (1392–1573) to imitate Chinese carved lacquer. In this technique, patterns are carved into wood and then coated with layers of red and black lacquer. The incense box here has an auspicious pattern of interlinked circles (shippō) in a continuous, chainlike motif that symbolizes prosperity and continuation. Moore often used the pattern to embellish silverware.

Incense Box (Kōgō) with Interlinked Circles (Shippō) Pattern, Carved wood with red and black lacquer layers (Kamakura-bori), Japan

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Incense Box (Kōgō) with Interlinked Circles (Shippō) Pattern, Carved wood with red and black lacquer layers (Kamakura-bori), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) with Interlinked Circles (Shippō) Pattern, Carved wood with red and black lacquer layers (Kamakura-bori), Japan

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