Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Phoenix in Paulownia (tray)

The only place the mythical phoenix will perch is in the paulownia tree. Along with the dragon, the bird is a symbol of imperial power in East Asia. This box--a container for an inkstone, brushes, and ink--is both functional and lavish, its dramatic effects achieved with a pear-skin ground decoration (nashiji) and sprinkled powder decoration in high relief (takamaki-e).

Credit: Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund