@Writing paper box with overlapping lid. The sides of the lid are
florally carved and have beaded edges, and there is a nesting internal
tray. The surface is scattered with shell fragments on a black-lacquered
ground.
@Thickish shell is used to depict the grapes and squirrels, which
are outlined in gold. The shell is hairline engraved, and the vine
and leaves are drawn with gold leaf and black lacquer.
@The beading is gold leaf. Inside the box is cinnabar-lacquered, with
gold leaf decoration of flowers and butterflies on the underside of
the lid and on the nesting tray.
@Grapes and squirrels represent fertility and happiness, and are auspicious
symbols not just in the Ryukyus but throughout Asia. It is further
an important pattern from the point of view of transmission of the
designs. |
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