This antique box, made on a light wood base, is covered with multiple layers of lacquer with burgundy and carmine reflections, adorned with delicately painted cherry blossoms.
On the facade, two shapes evoking a screen and a cloud frame traditional Japanese motifs: a bird perched on a branch, cranes in flight, a butterfly, and a pagoda by the water.
These scenes are created using gold powder, in the style of maki-e, and stand out gracefully against the dark, glossy background. Patience and skill are the hallmarks of master lacquerers.
The interior and base are decorated using the nashiji technique, which involves sprinkling fine gold particles between several layers of transparent lacquer. The result is a luminous, speckled background, reminiscent of a pear's skin.
The box opens to reveal a space lined with this golden sheen, once intended to hold jewelry or small personal items.
The key that locks the door is missing. There are some minor chips in the lacquer, however, the overall condition is very satisfactory.
Materials: wood, lacquer, gold powder, clear varnish
Length: 13 cm
Width: 10.5 cm
Height: 4.5 cm
Origin: probably China
