Antique Papier Mache Inlaid Mother of Pearl Writing Slope Box Chinoiserie MOP

Vintage 20th century red cinnabar trinket box with ring. Hexagonal shaped box with geometric pattern around the sides and lid featuring a pair of figures under a gnarled pine tree. R...

Antique dark birds eye maple writing slope with brass M monogram plate on top with green felt lining and multiple interior storage compartments finishe...

Vintage South Asian / Kashmir hand painted papier mâché box with removeable lid - featuring a profuse floral pattern over the top and sides set against a black lacquer background - h...

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...