Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Tomobako The box a Japanese potter may store and sell their piece in, is called a Tomobako. Yesterday, was a bit about how this box functions in a large sense. Today is a look at the formal, textual, information it may provide. The box may have the artist 's name or stamp, called a hakogaki . The box may also have written on its exterior a simple description of the object, or the title of the work. An art object may have a poem written on it, and the Tomboko may include the name of the poet It may identify the object as a copy. It may also include information as to when the item was used, perhaps during a famous event, or who it may have belonged to. They can have the style, form, glazes, year, and the name of the kiln. Because they have add value to a piece, lost ones may be replaced and signed by the artists son or apprentice. They have also been forged. However, did the crafts person who made the box sign it, or do they remain unknown? 9:58:01 PM