Artwork preview

One of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog Charms

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The object is a small, rectangular box with a lid in the shape of a dog. The box is predominantly gold with black cloud shapes on the sides and a red and green patterned base. A blue and white mountain scene is on the top left side. The dog's head protrudes from the top right side, with a white face painted with black eyebrows and mustache, and small red and gold adornments on top. The dog's body is positioned at an angle, with its head facing forward and slightly to the right. The dog's eyes are closed. The box has a small tail on the back left side. The background is a gradient of gray, transitioning from dark at the top to light at the bottom.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1840
Medium:
Porcelain with overglaze enamels (Minpei kilns)
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
600 × 450 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette