Box - Wooden, Japan, circa 1880

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This item is on display at Melbourne Museum

Summary:: This rounded rectangular box is made of three ply grey wood. Made in Japan, it is decorated with a pattern of stylized bamboo and blossoms. It was exhibited at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition.

The 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition aimed to show international and local 'works of industry and art'. Displays of traditional cultural materials and objects focused on economic and aesthetic value rather than cultural significance. The Official Record for the 1880 exhibition lists several Japanese box exhibitors under Class 29 - 'Leather-work, Fancy Articles, and Basket-work.' (p 572)
Description:: This round edged, squared, cylindrical box with lid is made of three ply grey wood, and has been painted on the outside with a stylized bamboo and blossom pattern in green, red and blue.
Acquisition Information:: Unknown from Unknown

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	8.80 cm (Height), 7.30 cm (Width), 29.80 cm (Length)
Dimension Comment:	Measurements taken for Australia Gallery redevelopment. Early measurement note: EIGHT AND A QUARTER INCHES LONG AND THREE AND A QUARTER INCHES IN DIAMETER

Tagged with:	exhibitions melbourne international 1880-1881, handcrafts, woodworking
Themes this item is part of:	Royal Exhibition Building Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection, Working Life & Trades Collection
On Display at:	Melbourne Museum
Primary Classification:	PUBLIC EVENTS
Secondary Classification:	Melbourne International Exhibition 1880
Tertiary Classification:	ornaments
Place & Date Exhibited:	Royal Exhibition Building (REB), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1880-1881
Place & Date Manufactured:	Japan, circa 1880