Stapeldoos, zwarte lak met poempoenplanten in goud- en zilver-makie 1700 - 1800

This small, anonymous box, made of black lacquer with gold and silver Maki-e, presents a fascinating interplay of form and decoration. The severe geometry of the stacked box is softened by the organic, flowing designs of pumpkin plants that envelop its surface. Consider the semiotics at play. The stark contrast between the black lacquer and the shimmering gold and silver creates a visual tension, drawing the eye across the object's surface. The pumpkin plants, rendered in exquisite detail, act as signs, hinting at themes of abundance and prosperity, and the gold and silver further enhance this sense of luxury. The linear quality of the vines directs the viewer's gaze, inviting us to explore the box's dimensions and the relationship between its various planes. The use of Maki-e, a Japanese lacquer decoration technique, adds a layer of texture and depth, transforming a functional object into a work of art. Ultimately, this small box destabilizes the boundary between craft and fine art, challenging our preconceptions about value and beauty.