Incense Boxes with a Wrapping Cloth

Incense Boxes with a Wrapping Cloth

Kubo Shunman

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two incense containers are depicted on this privately commissioned, high-quality New Year's print (surimono): one is fan shaped, carved in red lacquer, and depicts plum blossom motifs; the other, a tiered incense holder, is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay in the Somada style. The incense boxes are placed on a wrapping cloth that represents spring through the association with plum blossoms, and reflects the content of the poem appearing at the top of the print.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Incense Boxes with a Wrapping ClothIncense Boxes with a Wrapping ClothIncense Boxes with a Wrapping ClothIncense Boxes with a Wrapping ClothIncense Boxes with a Wrapping Cloth

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.