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Japanese Lacquer Box
- This is a rare and exquisite example of Meiji-Period maki-e
- The box is adorned with raised lacquer art in gold and colored motifs
- It features symbols of the four main classes - samurai, farmers, craftsmen and merchants
- Creating a lacquer box like this would have been incredibly time-consuming
- Get complete item description here
$39,850
Item No.
31-8317
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Description
This exquisite Meiji-period lacquer document box known as a ryoshibako showcases the meticulous artistry of maki-e, a technique of raised lacquer decoration. Adorned with gold and vibrant hues, it features emblems representing the four esteemed classes of Edo society: samurai and warriors, farmers, craftsmen and merchants. Each class is symbolized through intricately rendered designs, including a bow on a stand for the warriors, a basket of leaves for the farmers, calligraphy tools for the craftsmen. . .
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This exquisite Meiji-period lacquer document box known as a ryoshibako showcases the meticulous artistry of maki-e, a technique of raised lacquer decoration. Adorned with gold and vibrant hues, it features emblems representing the four esteemed classes of Edo society: samurai and warriors, farmers, craftsmen and merchants. Each class is symbolized through intricately rendered designs, including a bow on a stand for the warriors, a basket of leaves for the farmers, calligraphy tools for the craftsmen and a set of scales and abacus for the merchants. The box's exterior is a sophisticated black ground, achieved through shibonuri, a technique mimicking a woven texture.
The creation of a lacquer box such as this would have been an incredibly time-consuming process; the art form is considered among the most labor-intensive in the world and requires an exceptional level of finesse. Intricately detailed lacquer boxes such as this reveal the mastery of their maker and the storied tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.
Circa 1870
7 1/4“ high x 17 3/4” wide x 13 3/4“ deep
The creation of a lacquer box such as this would have been an incredibly time-consuming process; the art form is considered among the most labor-intensive in the world and requires an exceptional level of finesse. Intricately detailed lacquer boxes such as this reveal the mastery of their maker and the storied tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.
Circa 1870
7 1/4“ high x 17 3/4” wide x 13 3/4“ deep
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Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Type: | Decorative Boxes |
| Depth: | 13.75 in. (34.93 cm) |
| Width: | 17.75 in. (45.09 cm) |
| Height: | 7.25 in. (18.42 cm) |
Discover More
Masterful Craftsmanship: Your Guide to Japanese Artworks
Read MoreBuy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
