Fine Japanese Hibachi Lacquer with Inlays Meiji Period

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 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,...

An assemble of four lacquerware sake cups from Meiji period Japan circa late 19th century. The shadow cups on an elevated stem were used by the nobles during ...

A Japanese lacquered Sake Drinking set circa late 19th century (end of Meiji period), The assemble consists of a red lacquer stand open frame support and a lid that encloses a storage space with black lacquered interior. The lid features a and a cup holder in the center and four heart shape cutouts on the corners. There are three maki-e decorated sake cups with gradual sizes. The cups showcase on the red background elaborate gold hiramaki-e paintings...

A Japanese lacquered wood Naga Fubako (a long box used to store document or large scroll painting), circa 19th century Meiji period. The rectangular box features an unusually deep lipped lid with slightly rounded corners, a conforming lower box with bronze medallion rings with tasseled...

A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...

A simple and elegant Japanese lacquer hibachi stand with imperial chrysanthemum mon and copper liner, now modified as an usubata, late Meiji Period, ci...

Japanese Lacquer Hibachi (Brazier), Meiji period (1868 - 1912) Box- shaped Japanese hibachi with mother of pearl inlay, handles on two sides, and a cop...

The Inro is decorated with a gold lacquer base and features mother of pearl shell inlay leaves surounding wheeled cart with foliage. The Inro with a slide action opening which hides ...

Designed to hold glowing embers, hibachi vessels were used for cooking or as a source of heat in Japanese homes. Placed under a low wood kotatsu table wi...

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 antique Japanese Meji Period lacquer box decorated with a fan and a stylized star shaped window in the maki-e technique. The fan at the top right corner, fully opened depictin...