Fine Meiji Period Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Lacquer Box

A lacquered wood box with lid from Japan circa 19th century Meiji Period. The finely decorated box was used to store paper slips and small documents on the desk. It is overall finished with black lacquer (kuro) with sparse Mura-Nashiji effect outside and on the top surface of the lid, there are three Komainu, (sometimes known as Shishi or Japanese lions) frolicking and forming a circle in lively motion. Komainu are auspicious animals in Japanese cultures in both Shinto and Buddhism tradition. Originally from China, these animals symbolizes guardians to ward off evil spirits. Hiramaki-e was used in combination with carving and combing to render the lions with various surface textures. A gilt border with an slight angle was given to the lid and even the thin band is decorated with miniature floral scrolls. The interior of the box was finished in a dense nashiji. Underneath the lid, a cluster of peonies open lavishly by two gentle mounts. Takamaki-e (high relief) in both gold and silver were...

A fine Japanese wood Hibachi with copper insert circa 1900-30s end of Meiji to Taisho Period. It can be used as a unique planter or to showcase a...

Presentation Tebako box from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Beautiful decorative presentation Tebako box from the Japanese Imperial Meiji period, circa 1880. This box has been meticulously crafted in a squared cushioned shape in wood with kara coating Kobayashi red lacquer, gilding, black lacquer and inlaid decorations of abalone shell, Raden. Tebako literally means "portable box", it is a toilet box containing the objects necessary for washing and make-up, especially blush mirror...

A large Japanese lacquer box with elaborate Maki-e design from Meiji period, (mid-late 19th century). The generous size of the box was reser...

A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...

A seven-piece Japanese Arita Sweetmeat set and matching lacquer box, Meiji period (1880-1890). Comprising of a central hexagonal dish and six-fan shaped ...

Early 20th century, Meiji period shibayama wall plaque depicting a mother of pearl eagle perched on a flowering tree, set on a black lacquer background, with a reddish brown oval frame painted...

A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting ...

A very fine Japanese lacquer tebako, box for personal accessories, in the form of rolled bolts of brocade fabric, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The box is whimsically shap...

A large and magnificently decorated Japanese lacquer document box, ryoshibako, signed Umeboshi/Baikyo, late Edo or early Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan. The large document box, ryoshibako, of tall, rectangular shape with rounded corners, and fitted with an inrobuta (flush-fitting) cover with beveled edges. The exterior of this exquisite box is decorated all over with fifteen different raised reserves shaped as uchiwa (paddle) fans against a lush and intricate krikane ground imitating shagreen. The uchiwa shaped reserves all of takamaki-e, and exquisitely painted with designs of animals, flowers, and landscapes in silver, gold, maki-e, hiramaki-e, and takamaki-e, with kirikane, nashiji, and polychrome embellishments, upon gold lacquer fudame grounds. The interior of the lid is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a large design of a magnificent and beautifully detailed rooster and hen with chicks gathered around a lazy stream. Large stalks of chrysanthemum bloom behind them. All against an ethereal nashiji ground. The cover of the box features five reserves: 1. Three minogame (turtles with long tails), symbolizing longevity 2. "Narihira Crossing the Sumida" from The Tales of Ise...