Sutra Box

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

This rectangular wooden sutra box chest was listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1973.
The entire box is lacquered in black and inlaid with a thin layer of mother-of-pearl and gold. The lid is decorated with peony and scroll leaf patterns, and the remainder of the box is decorated with stylized flowers within geometric tortoise-shell shapes. There are handles with chrysanthemum patterns on both sides and a lock at the front.
The peony and scroll leaf pattern was frequently used during the late Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties.