National Treasure Box with fusenryo design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e

The rectangular box has a fitted body and cover, the rims of which are reinforced with tin. The top and sides bulge slightly. Metal fittings with engravings of a pine, bamboo, crane, and tortoise design decorate both lengthwise sides of the box. A cord was strung through these fittings. Gold powder is sprinkled on the lacquered surface, on which fusenryo medallions run in a diagonal direction. The fusenryo design of four small medallions nested in a larger one is taken from a design used in aya (twill weave) silk. The inside of the cover is decorated with more than 20 species of plants in maki-e design. This is said to be a masterpiece of lacquerware produced in the Kamakura period.