Exquisite Antique Lacquer Japanese Box Edo Maki-e Fans Flowers Gilt

Description: RARE & IMPORTANT ANTIQUE JAPANESE LACQUERED SMALL BOX. Edo Period (1603-1868), this piece estimating early late 18th/early 19th century. Exceedingly rare, early hand lacquered representing the high elegance of the Japanese aesthetic during the age of the Shogun and Samurai. A rectangular form with a fitted lid, made from wood, paper and gilt paint. The fine quality of this box would have been reserved for only the wealthiest families and imperial class. Likely a snuff box or for incense. Featuring stunning hand applied golden raised maki-e lacquer detail. Ornate, detailed and magnificent design featuring the iconic double fans with flowers and fauna. Even the inside and bottom is beautifully decorated. Examples of this age and quality rarely come on the market. A perfect storage box for small treasures in the office, studio, or on a dresser top. Or, simply displayed as a rare and magnificent art piece on its own. In excellent antique condition. Has been been carefully stored by its fortunate owners over the centuries. A rare treasure. Measures approximately 2 7/8 inches high, by 1.25 inches deep, by 2.7/8 inches wide. A unique and skillfully crafted work of art, and an outstanding centerpiece for the discriminating connoisseur of world class Japanese antiques. Recent acquisition from wealthy New England family. Maki-e is Japanese lacquer decoration technique in which pictures, patterns and letters are drawn with lacquer on surface of lacquerware , and then metal powder such as gold is sprinkled and fixed on the surface of the lacquerware. Maki-e was developed about 1200 years ago. Maki-e means sprinkled picture. The process of creating such pieces from hand lacquered wood required the talents of highly skilled artisans as well as a considerable investment in time. It was necessary to carefully dry the wood for an entire year before being shaped. Another year of drying may have then been needed before the lacquer finish could be applied. The lacquer work would then require time to complete as multiple coats were applied and each coat must dry completely in a carefully controlled atmosphere before proceeding. An entire piece of fine Japanese lacquer ware such as this one may have taken several years to complete. Store item code MJBC. Photos are of the actual item being sold and they are to be considered part of the description. We consider all offers in relation to current market values and we try to respond almost immediately. Your purchase will be packed carefully and shipped quickly. We are available 7 days a week. Please see other listings for books and collectibles that might be of interest to you and follow North*Star*Collectibles as we post new items every week. Thank you for looking and come again soon,North*Star*Collectibles Member of the Ephemera Society of America and SNEAB Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers

Price: 3795 USD

Location: Newton Center, Massachusetts

End Time: 2024-12-10T00:01:53.000Z

Shipping Cost: 12.95 USD