Shelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family Crest

Shelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family Crest

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This four-tiered shelf was likely part of a high-ranking bride’s trousseau. The kurodana was used for the display and storage of cosmetic boxes and toiletries, including the utensils necessary for tooth blackening (haguro), the sign of a married woman. This example’s black-lacquer surface features a pattern of wild grapevines and the nine-circle or star crest (kuyō mon), which might be associated with the Hosokawa family. The couturière Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883–1971) owned numerous Chinese Coromandel and Japanese gold lacquer folding screens. The contrast of their lustrous black coating, gold and silver, and inlaid decoration influenced some of her compositions.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family CrestShelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family CrestShelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family CrestShelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family CrestShelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family Crest

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.