keshobako (vanity box), unknown maker from Japan

Exhibition Label:
Asian Gallery, Summer 2003, Youmi Efurd
Keshobako, ivory vanity boxes, were used during the 19th century by well-educated and cultured women for cosmetic purposes. They contained rouge, perfume, eyebrow color, or other make-up items.

Small in size, Keshobako are carved from ivory with a top lid that fits over the entire bottom section of the box. The ornamentation is limited to the lids, which are elaborately decorated with lacquer, inlay, or relief carvings.