Items Similar to Black Lacquer Box with Silver Birds by Hiroshi Mimura (1921–1975), Japan, Showa
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20
Black Lacquer Box with Silver Birds by Hiroshi Mimura (1921–1975), Japan, Showa
About the Item
A striking and rare black lacquer box by celebrated Japanese lacquer artist Hiroshi Mimura (1921–1975), known for his bold, modernist reinterpretations of traditional techniques. This piece features two silver-inlaid birds set against a dramatic red and black grid background—an exquisite composition that reflects Mimura’s mastery of kinma-nuri (engraved and colored lacquer) and his fascination with graphic contrasts and organic form.
Mimura was born in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, and became a pupil of Living National Treasure Joshin Isoi (1883–1964). He exhibited at prestigious institutions including Nitten and Kofu-ten, earning accolades such as the Minister of Education Award and the Hokuto Prize. His works from the 1960s and 70s—like this box—show his pioneering approach to design, combining classical Japanese technique with abstract, contemporary sensibility.
This box, with its elegant proportions and crisp polish, was likely created as a decorative or presentation piece. A museum-quality work that reflects the evolution of Japanese lacquerware in the 20th century.
Artist: Hiroshi Mimura (三村比呂志, 1921–1975)
Origin: Japan, Showa period (circa 1960s–1970s)
Materials: Lacquered wood with silver inlay
Technique: Kinma-nuri, hand-carved, colored lacquer
Dimensions: 29.4 × 23.5 × H 7.6 cm
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light surface wear consistent with age
Provenance: Private Japanese collection
- Dimensions:Height: 2.96 in (7.5 cm)Width: 9.26 in (23.5 cm)Depth: 11.62 in (29.5 cm)
- Style:Showa (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Fukuoka, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10055245483882
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2023
1stDibs seller since 2024
5 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 8 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Fukuoka, Japan
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPair of Japanese Hibachi with Inlaid Bamboo Motif
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A beautifully matched pair of Japanese hibachi (traditional fire bowls) from the Meiji period (1868–1912), showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. Each vessel is...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lacquer
Materials
Wood
Superb incense burner with Peacock design. Late 19-early 20th century.
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This exquisite late 19th-century Japanese incense burner is a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship. The rounded rectangular form is meticulou...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Lacquer
Materials
Wood
Japanese Maru Obi with Gold Embroidered Dragons – Silk Brocade, Taisho to Showa
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A magnificent example of Japanese textile artistry, this vintage maru obi dates from the Taisho to early Showa period (circa 1920–1950). Woven in luxurious silk, it features a richly...
Category
20th Century Japanese Showa Textiles
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Set of 3 hibachi Incense burner Planters
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and elegant set of three Japanese hibachi (traditional fire bowls) from the Meiji period (1868–1912), made of richly grained paulownia wood and intricately decorated with carv...
Category
20th Century Japanese Lacquer
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Copper
$2,890 / set
Japanese Obi with Landscape and Pavilion Motif – wall decoration, table runner
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A stunning Japanese obi textile from the Shōwa period, masterfully woven from silk with exquisite raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) detailing. This formal maru obi features a rich and in...
Category
20th Century Japanese Showa Textiles
Materials
Silk
Rare Japanese Bronze Horse Sculpture by Ishizaki Shūhō – Traditional Artistry
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A stunning Japanese bronze horse sculpture crafted by the renowned metalwork artist Ishizaki Shūhō (石崎秀峰). This elegant piece embodies the grace and strength of the horse, a symbol o...
Category
20th Century Japanese Showa Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
You May Also Like
Japanese lacquer oblong storage box by Hiroshi Hayashi 林宏 (1967)
By Hiroshi Hayashi
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An exceptional, oblong lacquer 3-tiered storage box with cover, reminiscent of a bento box, by Hiroshi Hayashi (1967). Covered in shiny gold and black l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Lacquer
Materials
Silk, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Japanese Lacquer Duck Box by Zohiko, Showa Era, Mid 20th Century, Japan
By Zōhiko Studio
Located in Austin, TX
A finely decorated vintage Japanese box for precious incense, kogo, in the shape of a male mandarin duck, oshidori, by Zohiko, Showa Era, 1960's, or earlier.
The lovely and whimsic...
Category
Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Showa Period Dry Lacquer Sculpture of a Duck
Located in Hudson, NY
Showa Period (1926 - 1989) sculpture of a duck resting with its head tucked into its wings. Dry lacquer, or kanshitsu, is a process of layering and manipulating lacquer soaked cloth ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Japanese Lacquer Tea Caddy, Natsume, Cart Wheels, Showa Era, 1960's, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A refined Japanese lacquer tea caddy, natsume, with a maki-e design of soaking cart wheels, Showa Era, circa 1960's, Japan.
The elegant nat...
Category
Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Lacquer
Materials
Softwood, Lacquer
Japanese Showa Period Red & Black Lacquered Obon Ozen Tray Serving Tables Bowls
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of 5 Japanese mid century modern ozen tray tables. Features black and red lacquer with gold insignia along the front. Includes matching bowls and dishes, (2 large bowls, 3 smal...
Category
Mid-20th Century Showa Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
$940 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Showa Period Lacquer “Flower Basket”
Located in Hudson, NY
The artist calls this vessel a flower basket in the calligraphy on the box. Showa period (1926-1989) black lacquer container in square form with notched c...
Category
Vintage 1930s Japanese Showa Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
