Early 20th Century Japanese Lacquer Box in Wood and Black Polychrome

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Description

The flat, rectangular box with rounded corners is made of wood and coated all around with high-gloss black lacquer. The … Read more The flat, rectangular box with rounded corners is made of wood and coated all around with high-gloss black lacquer. The lid features a vibrant polychrome lacquer painting: two goldfish in bright orange and red with golden scales swim through a finely engraved underwater world of aquatic plants, coral, and stones, rendered in gold lacquer on a black background. The interior of the box is lacquered black and undecorated. The object originates from Japan and likely dates from the early 20th century. These lacquerware pieces were traditionally made on the high seas, as only there could the dust-free conditions be found that were essential for the delicate lacquerwork. The lid shows some scratches; the lid painting and interior are in relatively good condition. The sides are undecorated and their condition matches the rest of the box. A clasp is present; a key is not included. The dimensions are approximately 5.2 × 19.8 × 10 cm (H/W/D). See less