18th Century Rare Japanese Traveling Cabinet Oi Edo Period

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Description

Served as a traveling cabinet as well as a shrine and carried like a backpack for the Buddhist priests and … Read more Served as a traveling cabinet as well as a shrine and carried like a backpack for the Buddhist priests and monks during long pilgrimage, this rare chest is known as Oi Japanese. In China the carrier case is known as Ji, traditionally used by the traveling scholars or monks in the ancient time to carry their belongings such as books, clothes, and stationary. The piece on offer here is of Japanese origin and dated to Edo period (circa 17-18th century), possibly older to 16th century of Momoyama or Muromachi period. It was likely reserved for the use of a high-rank priest to carry the Buddhism scripts based on its luxurious high quality. The wood frame takes the shape of a pagoda with carved bamboo design that features upturned corner cornices and slightly sprayed legs. The back and the side were made of woven bamboo with lacquered interior paper lining, much of which has now degraded. This design allows the piece to be light weight, water resistant but breathable. The façade features a small upper and a large lower compartment with doors covered in lacquered paper painted with gilt mons and a dragon like form among floral pattern (in a rather abstract fashion). Along the chest, holes were placed with lining hardware. These are where the rope was threaded for the travelers to carry it on his shoulder. The shelf in the lower compartment is collapsible, making the piece practical for storage function.
A marvelous piece, it has been largely preserved in its intact form and mostly original condition. A very worn green silk rope is also present, but it is likely a later replacement.
See a similar piece in Peabody Essex Musuem, see item E303292 in its Japanese Collection.
Another similar piece is in the Eugen Fuller Memorial Collection 72.15 in Seattle Art Museum. See less