East Asian Boxes

A Chinese antique rattan lunch basket from the early 20th century, with bamboo tripartite handle. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, this lunch box captures...

For one short decade, from around 1910 to 1920, pewter was all the rage in China’s bustling commercial centers of Shanghai and Canton. Drawn to pewter’s soft, silvery glow, artists t...

Antique 20th Century Japanese solid silver card case, featuring high relief Iris flowerson a textured background. The hinged lid opens to reveal a compartment originally for visiting...

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,...

Exquisite contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, an exclusive signature masterpiece in blue and red by highly acclaimed master porcelain artist of the Imari-Arita region of...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Kut Hing Chinese Pewter & Mahogany carved and embossed jewellery trinket box A good look...

Extraordinary museum quality signed Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain box in an elegant rectangular shape, stunningly gilded and hand painted in vivid hues of purple and blu...

A vintage Japanese Tsuzuri bako, writing box. with an unusual, deeply carved relief of Japanese sarcandra glabra, a woody herbal sub-shrub native to Asia with deep green glossy leave...

Antique 20th Century Chinese solid silver cigar box featuring a smooth, slightly textured hand hammered surface on all sides and a striking high-relief dragon on the lid and sides. O...

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...

This lacquered box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the tradition...

A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of antique coins and copper and pro...

A Japanese Wakasa lacquer folder to carry poems and paintings. It has a silver raised Togidashi maki-e design of cherry blossom, created by lay...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Perfecting line and form, the small box has a balanced, oval form shaped of white brass (...

An elegant and finely crafted Japanese Komai-style damascene cigarette or card case, dating from the early 20th century (circa 1900–1940), featuring stunning 24‑karat gold and silver...

Japan, late Edo, two big octagonal covered shell game boxes resting on footed stands, with makie-e decorations depicting flowering vines on a black lacquer ground, They are still in ...

Pair of Chinese mahogany tole demilune hinged poly chromed tea bins with gilt figural stenciling and decorative landscape scenes with foliage and bird motif, M...

A tasteful Showa-era retro cigarette case with the beautiful grain of the keyaki wood. The texture that has been used over time enhances its warm charm. Originally made as a cigaret...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered oriental Chinese table chest or jewellery box. A very good looking and well made pie...

An exquisite Japanese Meiji Period small lacquer incense box, kogo, in the form of a duck or goose, late 19th century, Japan. The delicate lacquer box, known as a kogo in Japanese, ...

Antique Chinese Chinoiserie Wooden box with Handpainted inserts. Mother of Pearl decorative buttons. Double sides doors with compartments for small sculptures. Great piece.

The circular box and conforming cover carved in realistic detail, with grainy texture and undulating bark-like sides, overall glazed or stained in a dark molasses color, the interior...

Early 20th century carved rosewood box.

A Chinese lacquer game box from the 19th century, likely from the Qing Dynasty. It is made of lacquered wood , decorated on the exterior in black, red and gold with design of pavili...

Dated to the late 19th century, this elegant tea tray charms with clean lines, fine materials, and balanced proportions. Used as a surface for preparing and serving tea, the tray has...

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 lovely Chinese turquoise cloisonne trinket box with images of the Hundred Antiques, Republic Period, circa 1920, China. The rectangular box de...

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...

An 18th Century Silver Mounted Mogul Hand-Carved and Beveled Rectangular Jade Box. The jade is the finest quality with a natural even green tone. It is beautifully hand-carved and ...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver card case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection The anterior surface of this rare Chinese silver card case is ornamented with chased oriental figures amidst bamboo and foliate designs, accented with a fenced area and simplified structures, all on a matte background. The ornamentation incorporates a vacant shield shaped cartouche. The posterior surface of this silver card case is embellished with an exceptional chased decorated segmented iconic Chinese dragon design amidst clouds, also all on a matte background. The rounded sides of this antique silver cigarette case...

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 petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...

A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...

The Agate bowl is 18th century. This Chinese agate bowl was converted into a container with silver mounts and cover and a carnellion owl finial, circa 1900. Although unmarked, we attribute the work as American based Upon the gauge, quality and color of the silver. Possibly attributed to the firm Black, Starr and Frost, circa 1900 who specialized in combining Chinese hardstone objects...

This simple lacquered box was once used as a 19th-century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the recipients, the unassuming box w...

A fine Korean iron box with intricate silver inlay dated to the late Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The body of the box is made from iron of a heavy weight although the wear on t...

An exquisite Chinese export peacock from hardstone and gilt silver filigree canister box, Republic Period, circa 1920's, China. The graceful and elegant hardstone container of cyli...

This sophisticated vintage faceted urn, handcrafted for Silvestri, is a stunning example of late 20th-century decorative art. Drawing inspiration from Art Deco and Hollywood Regency ...

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...

Old Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, decorated with Vases and Flowers. French Private Collection

Sagejubako is a portable picnic set that became popular in the early Edo period when an additional meal was added between breakfast and dinner. It normally consists of a carry case w...

A lovely small Chinese export cloisonne trinket box with a carved hardstone roundel, Early Republic Period circa 1915, China. The small cloisonne box set on four short bun feet, and...

A finely detailed Chinese export lacquered work box, dating to the early 19th century. This rectangular example features a rich red ground adorned with intricate gilt decoration, inc...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Export table top vanity mirror cabinets circa 1900 A good looking and well made pairing, most likely used ...

Rectangular box with brass tacks and hinged lid set in a brass base.

A pair of Japanese lacquered lidded Hokai boxes with chased brass hardware and original ropes. Hokai boxes are traditionally used in Japan as the containers ...

4 Panels of a Wooden Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Chinese Scenes, 19th Century. 4 panels of a wooden box with mother-of-pearl inlays depicting Chinese scenes, Asian Art, 19th cen...

Chinese hand-painted pillow box with copper latch and handles on the sides Width 10.5 inches / height 6 inches / depth 6 inches 1 available in stock in Italy Order reference #: FABIO...

A four-case lacquered Japanese inro by Yutokusai (Gyokkei), a lacquer artist active from 1845-1900 (end of Edo to Meiji period). The slightly round inro features a very intricate design with three unfolded fans on the front and two on the back: each reveals a vignette landscape scenery, likely real places in Japan. Using a combination of hiramaki-e and slight takamaki-e, the artist deftly created the pictures with fine details, rendering the inro as a miniature artwork...

A truly fine hand-painted porcelain box with a monogram of family characters. 1820's.   

A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1980s. The hand-blown glass box with fitting lid is of an oval shape, slightly irregula...

Chinese antique Wooden cat jewelry box or object holder, 1920s Jewelry box with retractable compartment in the shape of a lying cat, entirely made o...

A truly fine hand-made, Chinese Zitan box. The top-ranking quality and precious material among all wood species in the world.  

This unique vintage Chinese sewing box is 100 percent hand made and hand painted with traditional Chinese painting on the side and lid of the box. It wa...

This is a pair of antique decorative boxes. A Chinese, ceramic lidded dish, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Appealing tradi...

Lacquer Potpourri box and cover with ormolu mountings from 18th century Directoire Japan/ France.

Inro is an ancient traditional Japanese box used to carry and store small items such as tobacco, money, paintbrushes, and other objects. The...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Circa 1920 Kut Hing Chinese Pewter & Mahogany carved and embossed jewellery trinket box ...

This is an antique cleric's swing-out case. A Chinese, hardwood travelling box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Charmingly provincial box, presented in original tim...