Jewel Box with Hosoge Flower Design in Maki-e

A Rare Early Heian Maki-e Box

The Jewel Box with Hosoge Flower Design in Maki-e (宝相華蒔絵宝珠箱) is a Heian-period maki-e box owned by Ninnaji in Omuro, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1954 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one box 20.6 centimetres square and 15.4 centimetres high, owned by Ninnaji, first designated under the old system in 1899.

According to the Agency, it held a wish-granting jewel and has come down with painted panels of the Four Heavenly Kings that guard the jewel.

Design

According to the Agency, it is square with recessed corners and a deep overlapping lid, the core thought to be of lacquered fabric. Cords run around the rims, finished in silver ground. The outer lid and body show auspicious birds and hosoge flowers in polished gold and silver maki-e on a dense sprinkled ground.

Inside the lid, flowers are scattered in gold and silver maki-e on a lighter ground. Four painted panels of the Four Heavenly Kings accompany it.

What to Look For

The Agency notes the temple tradition that it belonged to the Cloistered Emperor Kanpyo (Uda), and that its Nara-style design and lacquered-fabric technique support an early Heian date, making it one of the few fine maki-e works of that period.

Notice the painted guardian kings that have come down with it.

Visiting the Jewel Box with Hosoge Flower Design in Maki-e

The box is owned by Ninnaji and is not always on display; check the temple's announcements.