Artwork preview

Tray with Scene from the Tale of Genji

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rectangular tray with rounded corners. Dark brown background. A raised border surrounds a scene. The border has a row of small circles along the inner and outer edges with various designs inside. A narrower border with a zig-zag pattern separates the scene from the rest of the border. A scenic depiction in gold, white and brown with people and structures. A structure on the left side with a gold roof and columns. A large tree on the right center with a white bird. Three structures on the right side. Various people throughout. White and gold flowers throughout. The background behind the tray is gray.

Artwork details

Date:
early 17th century
Medium:
Black lacquer with gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette