1930s Lacquer

A small and charming Korean black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid cigarette box, 1930's, Korea. The small vertical lidded box, crafted of black lacquer with mother of pearl inlai...

A delightful small Korean black lacquer and inlaid mother of pearl "longevity" cigarette box, circa 1930's, Korea. The small vertical rectangular box crafted of black lacquer and inlaid with fine, highly iridescent mother of pearl, and topped with a fitted cover. The interior lacquered vermillion red. The design on this small is related to longevity. One side features a large gnarled pine tree sheltering a pair of elegant deer munching on yeongji. Pine and deer are symbols of longevity. Yeongji, known as lingzhi in China, or reishi in Japan, is known as the Fungus of Immortality. The opposite side features a pair of swimming turtles and a pair of cranes flying overhead. Again, both cranes and turtles are symbols of long life. One of the turtles in this case seems to be a Japanese minogame...

With an old Chinese lacquer panel top decorated with lake, boats, pavilions and people, the base with greek key border and circular tapered legs with grapevine and leaf decoration jo...

This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional accessories of Ja...

Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - the scroll pot was a fixture of every traditional scholar’...

Vintage painted lacquer teak wood tray on stand, Daung-lan. Shan of Burma. Early to Mid-20th century. This red and black decorated tray comes from the Shan State of Eastern Burma, a...

A large vintage Chinese red cinnabar box with deep relief carved lid depicting flowers, leaves and a dragon. The round box has a domed lid and...

Vintage Chinese rectangular vanity, jewelry or trinket red cinnabar box with carved lid depicting flowers, leaves and geometric motifs with black lacq...

A Japanese Shikki lacquer tray featuring silver mounts with cylinders covered in Shagreen acting as a gallery. Showa period, first half of the 20th century.

Showa period (1926 - 1945) vibrant lacquer work with grape bunches in the center on a red background, and two handles with leaf and beetle details. Signature on the reverse reads: Ma...

A matching set of Japanese lacquer ware including a rectangular tray and a covered square box circa 1930-40s. Made by Zohiko, an old lacquer family business that was established in 1...

Vintage bamboo betel box/tray. Original color. Cambodia. Early to Mid-20th century. This old bamboo box was used to hold the condiments and paraphernalia for betel nut chewing. It would be brought out whenever guests came to visit, or when the family gathered around. Betel chewing was a fundamental social activity thorughout Southeast Asia, practiced by rich and poor. The objects surrounding betel chewing reflected the social status of their owners, and were a source of pride. This example is from Cambodia and reflects the same colorations and patterning that can be found in many Cambodia textiles. It is a relatively rustic piece, constructed of bamboo, lacquered and painted and possessing the down to earth charm...