Incense Box (Kōbako) with Scene from "His Perfumed Highness" (Niou no Miya), chapter 42 of the Tale of Genji, 19th century

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Incense Box (Kōbako) with Scene from 'His Perfumed Highness' (Niou no Miya), chapter 42 of the Tale of Genji, Edo period (1615–1868), 19th century, Japan, Gold maki-e on lacquered wood, H. 2 in. ( cm); W. 2 7/8 in. ( cm); L. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm), Lacquer, The lid of this box is made of two interlocking seashells illustrating a chapter of the Tale of Genji. Publicly recognized as Genji's son, Kaoru has doubts about the circumstances of his birth. A poem voiced by the troubled man, and written above him within stylized clouds, reads: Obotsukana tare ni towamashi Ikanishite hajimemo hatemo shiranu wagami zo (Whom might I ask? Why must it be that I do not know the beginning or the end?) —trans

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Size: 5760px × 3685px
Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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