keshobako (vanity box)

keshobako (vanity box) , date unknown

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: ivory

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 4 x 5.1 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 1 9/16 x 2 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.0589.a,b

Not on display

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Label texts

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.