Inkstone cover
Artist
Shibata Zeshin
(Japanese, 1807 - 1891)
Place of OriginJapan
PeriodLate Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji period (1868-1912)
CultureJapanese
MaterialsLacquer on wood
DimensionsH. 1 1/4 in x W. 9 1/4 in x D. 8 1/2 in, H. 3.2 cm x W. 23.5 cm x D. 21.6 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60M294
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on viewInkstone covers were originally developed to cover and protect a large inkstone. However, during the Edo period (1615–1868), it became fashionable to serve appetizers and desserts on an inkstone cover. This piece is decorated with a mallet, the symbol of Daikoku, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. It is believed that when the god shakes the mallet to meet a prayer’s wish, it brings money and good fortune. The mallet is decorated with jewels, clouds, and waves. The wave pattern was created by raking a fresh, still-wet lacquer coating with an extremely fine-tooth comb.
Shibata Zeshin began his formal training in lacquer work when he was only eleven years old. This inkstone cover is representative of Zeshin’s refined craftsmanship.
