Japanese Roiro Lacquer Tray with Hydrangea Motif

A fine Japanese miniature kodansu constructed from Kaki wood (Persimmon) circa 19th century, late Meiji period. With its expressive exotic wood grains and exposed tenon construction,...

A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...

A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...

Tebako box with three compartments in golden and nashi-ji lacquer, decorated with golden, red, and kirigane lacquer, golden persimmon tree leaves, among rocks. The compartments are of increasing size from the top. The decoration is in continuity. Persimmon has been cultivated in southern China for more than 2500 years and is believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 8th century. The veneer is a tree with very hard wood, similar to ebony. According to a legend, one specimen survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, close to the epicenter. It is therefore in Japan a symbol of strength and longevity. It is also the national fruit of the country. It is eaten as a traditional dish during New Year's Day celebrations. Tebako literally means "portable box...

Natsume in dark red lacquer, decorated with autumn leaves and cherry blossoms in hiramaki-e and nashiji. Interior in black lacquer. Maple leaves (Momiji) are celebrated in literatur...

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 lovely vintage Korean lacquer box in bright red and decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays circa 1970-80s. The square form box features an auspicio...

Rectangular and flat lacquer Kobako (small box) representing a furoshiki knot seen from above. Fundame background, furoshiki in takamaki-e with floral pattern, inside the folds of the fabric with black and gold sayagata pattern with togidashi maki-e technique. The saya (or sayagata) pattern is composed of Chinese swastikas...

A fine antique Japanese Meji Period lacquer box decorated with a fan and a stylized star shaped window in the maki-e technique. The fan at the top right corner, fully opened depictin...

A vintage red lacquered box from the mid-20th century with golden motifs. Created during the midcentury period, this Chinese vintage red lacquered box captures attention with its vibrant color and intricate golden motifs. The distressed red lacquered ground is elegantly adorned with golden vases and scrolls on the front, adding a touch of opulence and refinement. The box opens with a bronze lock...