Japan - Boxes

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...

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.

Art Deco Jewelry Box vienna around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled

A striking blue and white vase from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 1870s and later became one of the appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. With a relative large size, this vase is decorated with underglaze cobalt blue using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking dimensional misty winter landscape. The pine trees with upright trunks and down-sweeping branches appear receding into the depth of the mist, forming an visually unending forest. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, around 1880s, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze. New colors allowed him to create underglaze design that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama...

A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn Lunde (1927 - 2017). The chest is crafted in the form of a Chinese seal...

A large scale and very good quality late 19th century Japanese Imari vase with exotic birds, trees and flowers. Wonderful coloring in vibrant hues of blue, red and rust.

Vintage hand carved melon form box with Mother Of Pearl floral inlays highlighted with gilt striping and scroll work. The interior of the box is painted in black lacquer. Japan, ear...

Art Deco playcard box vienna around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled Wood inside

A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...

A fine Japanese cloisonne hinged box with pheasant and autumn foliage, by Inaba Nanaho and the Inaba Cloisonne Company, Meiji period, circa 1900, ...

Japan, Edo to Meiji period, two-tiered, with the cover with a landscape design, the four sides with guilt chrysanthemum flowers.

Large vintage Italian Capodimonte Porcelain box. Stunning large vintage Italian Capodimonte porcelain box. This lovely...