Japanese
Box with Ink Bottles, late 19th century
Flat lacquer process (hiramakie) in gold on black ground, copper mountings , 6.7 x 7.9 x 4.8 cm (2 5/8 x 3 1/8 x 1 7/8 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This lacquer box resembles an old-fashioned lunch box with a rectangular shape and a rounded top with a single handle. The box is black with evidence of wear on the edges, where the warm brown of the wood is visible. The front, back, sides, and top are decorated with trees, flowers, and other naturalistic designs in gold. The copper latch in the front appears worn and has uneven coloring. The handle and its attachment on top appear to be a rusted brown. The coloring of the hinge in the back is like the front latch. When opened, the box reveals a purple fabric lining on the top and a wooden tray with two identical sections for glass ink bottles in the bottom. The coloring of the glass bottles is uneven, ranging from clear to white and brown.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.