Black Lacquer Panels

Meiji Period 1867-1912

We are a pair of wood panels adorned with black lacquer, ivory, and mother-of-pearl birds and flowers. We found a home with museum founder Mary H. Phillips in the spring of 1974. April, to be exact. We had a reserved place in the entrance hall of her home until the museum opened in May of 2004. We were pleased that Mrs. Phillips secured another reserve place for us in the Side Gallery of this beautiful museum. The best part was that she visited us every day until she had to leave us in 2009. But, truth be told, we really believe that she is still around here someplace looking out for all of us.

Now, a little about us…We started out as plain wood panels until artisans decided to adorn us with black lacquer, mother of pearl, and Indian elephant ivory carved flowering trees and birds. Lacquer originates from the sap of the Toxicodendron Vernicifluum tree. This tree is also known as the Chinese and/or Japanese lacquer tree. Mother of Pearl, sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Gems”, comes from the inner lining of certain shells such as pearl oysters, abalone, mollusks, and some fish scales. This iridescent beauty has been used in jewelry since ancient times. And, last but not least, Ivory. This precious addition comes from that most beloved, gentle, and now protected species, the elephant. We are truly honored to share space with the essence of nature, from the trees to the ocean to the life of the land.

Please be sure to visit with us the next time you’re in our museum.