Chestnut Decorative Boxes

The oak box with brass Royal Georgian plaque on top, pick up times on the front. The brass lock and key affixed to the door.

Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.

This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Raden (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead...

A three-case lacquered Inro by Yamada Family circa 18th-19th century Edo period. The inro with slight rounded form is of Kano style and vividly depicts a dragon slithering among the ink clouds on a gold background. Sumi-e togidashi (ink togidashi) technique, in combination with Hiramaki-e, were employed to create the dreamy ambience of this piece. The dragon has a painterly appearance inspired by Chinese ink painting that was often seen on the Japanese folding screens. The back of the Inro was sparsely decorated with the shifting patterns of the darkening clouds with an emphasis on the space intentionally left empty. Jokasai was signed to the base. On the front of the inro there is another miniature signature Hakugyoku Hogen, which is one of names used by Kano Michinobu (1730-1790). The dragon is evidently one of his designs (see reference below). Established by a member of Yamada family in the 17th century, the clan was one of the most prominent lacquer artisanal family for the next 200 years until the end of Edo period in the 19th century. Most members signed their work simply with Jokasai making the identification of the individual artists somewhat impossible. The current Inro on offer, compared to many other pieces by Jokasai, has an uncommon Kano style done in Sumi-e togidashi. Another unusual feature of this piece is that the interiors of the inro was decorated with an interesting gold mosaic inlays (kirigane) on a dark lacquer background, giving it a jewel like quality. For another Inro by Jokasai of a similar style using Sumi-e togidashi but depicts a tiger, see Wrangham collection, no.353, which was offered for sale as lot 256 in Bonham's London Auction: The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I. 9 Nov 2010. For an ink scroll...

The highly decorated tray in the form of a table frames a series of three stacking boxes, a further three lidded boxes and a tray concealed within, raised on ogee bracket feet. This...

Painted with Spa Scenes From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this Original Spa Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular form made from Sycamore is extensively decorated with Spa scenes to each side which include; la Sauvenière, la Géronstère, le Tonnelet, les Cascades de Coo and vue du aviny du château dimbles. When opened the box reveals a light pink lined sewing box with multiple compartments for storage and tools. The interior lid is finished with a framed panel of rauch velvet and an outer border of simulated ropework. The Sewing Box also contains four original spa spinners with painted scenes and a central lidded compartment painted with a further spa scene of la place du spa at lo fontaine du pouhon. Beneath the lid is a secret compartment which can be accessed by removing the rear panel which reveals a small handled drawer. The Spa Box...

Nicely carved Inro with birds and flowers. Quality craftsmanship. Hand-carved pierced sides and top. Opens into two pieces, held together with a rust-red s...

Contains a Secret Compartment and Candle Sconces From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Burr Walnut Writing Box. The Writing Box of rectangular shape ...

Antique Edo period Echizen kilns tsubo jar, circa 17th/18th century. Coil built with reddish iron oxide clay and buff colored ash glaze. Large Echizen jars were famous in their time ...

19th-century Continental Tortoise Shell Silver-Mounted 2-Compartmented Box, European, possibly Dutch. Unmarked A unique and whimsical 19th-century continental tortoise shell silver-...

Armored jewelry armoire in matte Canaletto walnut or polished white bird’s eye maple and 24 karats gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric o...

Intriguing antique hand crafted wood box with marquetry top. This decorative box features paua shell and mother of pearl inlay, there are also two secret compartments which makes thi...