Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties 2,690 works catalogued

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Important Cultural Property

Auspicious Flower, Butterfly, and Bird Design in Gold and Silver on Lacquered Leather

瑞花蝶鳥金銀絵漆皮箱

At a glance — Art Object · Nara period, 8th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category: Art Objects
Period: Nara period, 8th century
Date: 701–800
Held by: Tokyo National Museum
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID: cobas-117738

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Same period: Nara art objects →
At this museum: All 1632 works here →

This is a lid for a box, which is now lost, made from lacquered leather. The surface shows patterns of flowers and leaves in gold and silver. The butterflies on the top surface and the long-tailed bird on the side make for lively decorations.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財), Government of Japan
Catalogue ID: cobas-117738 (permanent)
Official record: Japan Search — jpsearch.go.jp/item/cobas-117738
Holder's collection: ColBase — Tokyo National Museum
Photograph: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0. CC BY 4.0 licence

Cite this page: “Auspicious Flower, Butterfly, and Bird Design in Gold and Silver on Lacquered Leather（瑞花蝶鳥金銀絵漆皮箱）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-117738. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/auspicious-flower-butterfly-and-bird-design-in-gold-and-silver-on-lacquered-leather/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.

Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)