新板・棚雛形〈四〉|New Illustrated Manual of Shelves, 4 (Shinpan/Tana hinagata, yon)

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Asian Art galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where we encounter *New Illustrated Manual of Shel, 4* (Shinpan/Tana hinagata yon), a delicate ink-on-paper booklet from 1893. Created by unknown artist during Japan's Meiji period (186–1912), this volume—measuring just 5¾ × 8¾ inches—belongs to a series of practical illustrated manuals guiding the design and construction of shelves, or *tana*. These were essential for traditional Japanese interiors, where multifunctional storage reflected the aesthetic of simplicity and harmony. In the Meiji era, Japan rapidly modernized amid Western influences, yet artisanal traditions like woodworking manuals thrived, blending utility with refined artistry. Produced as a "new edition" (*shinpan*), this work showcases precise ink illustrations that served carpenters and builders, capturing intricate shelf configurations for homes, shops, or temples. The thin, portable format (a mere 5/16 inch thick) highlights the era's emphasis on accessible knowledge, making sophisticated design patterns widely available. This gift from Lincoln Kirstein in 1959 offers a glimpse into everyday Meiji craftsmanship, reminding us how functional objects embodied cultural values of elegance and precision. A testament to Japan's enduring design legacy!