Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hydrangea at Night

1930s

Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Hydrangea at Night, 1930s. Japan, Shōwa period (1926-89). Lacquered wood and silver with gold, silver, and color sprinkled powder (maki-e); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Lillian M. Kern Memorial Fund 2020.67.a The close-up design and stylization of the hydrangea-blossom motif on this writing box are a modern extension of the reconsidering of classical seasonal imagery that was a main feature of Rinpa school aesthetics from the mid-1600s to mid-1800s. The moody, glamorous look of the box is an excellent example of reconsidering classical seasonal motifs.