East Asian Boxes

Rare quatrefoil Chinese Export Tea Caddy, 19th Century, the lacquer tea caddy with interlocking circles design, in deep red, black, and gilt with internal pewter container...

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...

Turn of the century Japanese black lacquer pin box, elegantly adorned in silver and gold decoration over a sleek black lacquer base. This exquisite piece remains in excellent conditi...

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,...

This is a Chinese Export porcelain Lidded Box, hand painted with a figural decoration, made in China, circa 1920 The box is well potted in an oval shape, the lid having a domed top...

An 18th-century burr elm and metal strap mounted coffre fort made in China for the export market. The metal work with some finely engraved details, the lid opens to reveal several c...

This exquisite 1900s Chinese wooden trunk is a remarkable piece of antique furniture that brings both functionality and a touch of history to your...

The State of Art, A Beautiful and highly crafted Maitland-Smith Vantage Tessellated Horn Jewelry Box, with Brass for edge Reinforcement.  

KYOTO STYLE NAGA HIBACHI (FIREBOX BRAZIER GRILL), Japanese, Meiji Period, The rectangular hibachi is of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood construction with the original copper liner, and a colum...

We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Valua...

A large Chinese black lacquer work box dating from approximately 1800–1820. Shaped like a traditional scroll, it features a beautifully painted scene of an emperor with his maiden, r...

20th Century Japanese Black Lacquer Box with Gold Bird and Reed Motif, Decorative & Functional Description: This elegant Japanese lacquer box, crafted in the 20th century, is a beautiful example of refined traditional craftsmanship. Coated in deep black lacquer, the box is adorned with delicate gold-painted branch and bird motifs, evoking a sense of serenity and natural harmony. The fine, meticulous brushwork captures the lightness of the reeds and the poised elegance of the bird, offering a peaceful and contemplative decorative piece. The removable lid reveals an interior decorated with two gold medallions, each threaded with a golden ribbon, adding an extra touch of subtle luxury and detail. Key features include: Authentic Japanese Craftsmanship: This box reflects traditional Japanese lacquerware techniques, emphasizing delicacy, patience, and respect for nature. Elegant Black and Gold Color Palette: The deep black base contrasts beautifully with the fine gold detailing, creating a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Nature-Inspired Motif: The scene of golden reeds and a resting bird embodies calmness, elegance, and a connection to the natural world, key themes in Japanese art. Decorative Interior: Inside, two gold medallions with threaded ribbons enhance the box’s refined, ceremonial feel, offering a hidden layer of beauty. Functional and Decorative: Perfect for use as a decorative object, a jewelry box, a keepsake container, or a small personal storage piece. Versatile Placement: Its understated luxury allows it to fit effortlessly into minimalist, traditional, wabi-sabi, or eclectic interiors. This 20th-century Japanese black lacquer box is more than a container—it’s a poetic celebration of craftsmanship, nature, and subtle beauty, offering both functional use and decorative sophistication. Keywords: Japanese black lacquer box, gold painted bird and reed motif, 20th-century Japanese decor, traditional lacquerware, serene Japanese art box, nature-themed lacquer container...

An antique Japanese late Meiji era covered Totai enamel on porcelain trinket or jewelry box. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome floral medallion with butterflies and berries, on the top of the cover, surrounded by floral, and foliage patterns made in the Cloisonne technique. A hand painted image of a flower, under the cover. Dated, 01.12.08, and probably numbered, 6, on the bottom. Totai Shippo...

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...

With all-over mother of pearl inlay and mon design of chrysanthemum in gold and black lacquer on top. The chrysanthemum is a national symbol of Japan and the Imperial family.

Very nice box also used as a pillow in the Japanese culture, early 20th century. It is black lacquered and decorated with hand painted golden floral patterns. The copper latch is nic...

A serene 1930s Art Deco powder box featuring a sculpted woman with her head gently tilted upward and eyes closed, embodying the calm, modern femininity celebrated in the era’s design...

This box is a japanese box, early 20th century, in a red laquer, representing a bird and a flower. This has been made in Japan.

This charming piece from Shanghai is a creative example of traditional hand-weaving, shaped into a friendly kangaroo. Crafted with care using natural reed and wicker, the box feature...

A Gold Lacquer Kōbako (Incense Box) Edo Period (1615–1868), Circa 1850 This exquisite gold lacquer kōbako (incense box) exemplifies the refined craftsmans...

A pair of decorative and exquisite Canton tea caddies crafted from copper, featuring richly detailed, hand-painted landscape motifs on enamel surfaces. Period: Qianlong (1736–1795),...

An elegant and intricately detailed Chinese export folding game box, crafted from lacquered wood with gilded decoration, dating to the early 19th century. The exterior features beaut...

A gorgeous antique Tibetan bronze filigree and inlaid agate trinket jar China, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 4.25"H. Good original vintage condition, with beautiful...

Sturdy rectangular hinged trinket box for display or functional for jewelry. Wonderful piece to add to existing collection. Marked on the bottom, China

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover, Ando Company, worked in silver wire and coloured enamels with an array of brightly coloured flowers, reserved against a rich midnight-blue ground, with silver rims and a silk lining, inlaid Ando mark. Japanese, circa 1910. Provenance: Acquired from Acanthus...

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...

A treasure of a chest, this charming miniature cabinet is named for the narrow, rounded molding that surrounds the frame and resembles noodles. Lacquered rich red, the small cabinet exhibits the same high level of craftsmanship found in larger such cabinets made in the Qing dynasty with exquisitely painted floral decorations and handcrafted hardware. The cabinet opens to a single shelf, making it just the place to stow jewelry...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver box; an addition to our collection of boxes and cases. This exceptional an...

At the first glance, this looks like an art piece done by a modern abstract artist - with the layers of random, thicker paint on it. But the truth is, this small box chest of drawers...

Japanese novelty wall mounted key hanger in the shape of this jumbo padlock in patinated brass. Curious details with xl revits and key.shaped handle. ...

An absolutely lovely Chinese export pink Canton enamel round stacking box and cover, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The circular stacking box consists of a bowl form base, ...

Vintage Large Dark Walnut Finish, Engraved Brass Mounts and Pulls Chinese Jewelry Box Hinge Lift Three Drawers, Red Linen Lining Interior, Jade Inlay, the Box Equipped with Brass Ha...

Nice Japanese glove box in red, yellow and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and red characters. Inside you have...

A fine Japanese export red lacquer box with Masonic symbols Kyoto/Nagasaki, 1800-1820 Red lacquer decorated with scattered flowers and flying birds with long tails in gold, wit...

Late 19th century Qing lacquer and hand-carved varnished wood decorative box, China By: unknown Material: wood, lacquer Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, lacquered, varn...

A 19th century Chinese wood and vellum document box hand painted court scene. No lock but all the hardware is bronze. The interior is four and a half i...

Great condition for its age. No major losses or damage. Has original sewing pieces inside.

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

An exquisite Japanese cloisonne lidded box with brass bun feet from the Meiji period, circa late 1800's. The box has a great inticate geometric de...

Two woven bamboo strip boxes, including one with leather details and geometric decorations, Dimensions: 1. 8.75" W x 4" H x 4" D 2. 5.75" W x 2.75" H x 2" D.  

A beautiful vintage decorated Famille Rose ceramic decorative box, Chinese Export/Chinoiserie style, circa mid-20th century. Box and lid are beautiful decorated with figures and bird...

Lovely sewing kit made of hand painted rattan, the top is decorated artistically with floral raffia work. Inside include plastic try and nice upholstered storage compartment. Excep...

A beautiful cobalt blue trinket box with a hinged lid. The top features a scene of the Madonna and Child, with a wreath of gold surrounding the edges. The body is decorated with gold floral accents. The lid is hinged in a bronze hue. The bottom is marked "Limoges China...

Antique A Chinese Carved Gilt Lacquered Box with a Peach Shape, depicting many peaches, leaves, and branches throughout.

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...

A ventage Chinese Huanghuali wood box with a beautiful natural grain of Huanghuali. Measures: 2.5in (6.3 cm) X 8 3/4 in(22.2 cm) X 4 7/8 in(12.3 cm).  

This antique engraved sterling silver cigarette or decorative box was made in Japan in approximately 1900 in the period Japonisme style. The box is composed of an ebonized hardwood c...

This handsome painted jewel box is a pleasure. The interior has been refitted.     

This is an vintage decorative jewellery case. A Japanese, lacquer and Mother of Pearl lidded box in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Appealing example o...

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 "remarkable" hand carved mahogany humidor box according to the appraiser has detailed carving of junk boats and temples, and recalls Victoria Harbor ...

A handmade embroidery in birds and flowers Chinese tea caddy.

This is an antique travelling jewellery box. A Chinese, lacquered pine campaign case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightful example of red lacquered craftsmans...

Chinese Mid-Century small rectangular hinged chest with metal latch and two side ring handles, hand painted featuring two exotic birds (depicted on the top and front), pine, berries,...

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover with sparrows, prunus and bamboo, the rectangular box worked in gold and silver wire and coloured enamels with birds amongst a blossoming tree ...

Set of three semi antique Chinese lacquered paper mache storage boxes with conforming dome top lids. Each of the boxes printed Mdm. Caroline Picard, 61 Rue St. Peres, Paris. Paper us...

Early 20th-century Chinese stamp box is a beautiful example of export brassware from the late Qing or early Republican period. Crafted from patinated brass, this petite rectangular b...

Chinese Export 19th Century Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Sewing Box

Antique A Chinese Carved Gilt Lacquered Box depicting a Dragon and Phoenix, and all areas of carved patterns throughout. small lacquer colors were lost at the corner, please see the ...

Antique Qing Dynasty Blue & White porcelain box with cover - hand painted with the double happiness symbol to the top and meandering vines ...