Cosmetic set

This rectangular wooden cabinet has four drawers that serve as small containers for cosmetics, hair ornaments, combs, and cosmetic brushes. Above the drawers is an open space topped with a fixed shallow tray with raised sides. Every visible surface is decorated with floral scrolls in sprinkled gold (makie) against a black lacquered background. In one of the drawers is a document stating that the set was acquired in 1819 for a young bride residing in the area that is now Iwate prefecture, in northern Japan. The quality of the artisanship and the refined design suggest that the bride’s family was wealthy.