Object
Christian icon case
- Lacquerware with maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay
- Japan, Azuchi–momoyama period, 16th–17th century
- Collection of Tokyo National Museum
The icon case features a sliding plate opening from the side. Inside, a copper plate is engraved with a Russian sacred painting depicting the martyred Saint Cyriaca, other saints, and the Christ. The box is lacquered in black and adorned with gold and silver using the hira maki-e technique, showcasing vine and sawtooth patterns. Many Japanese lacquerwares from this period were exported to Portugal and Spain and they were called the nanban lacquerware.
