

Japanese Antique Lacquer Keepsake Box
Antique Japanese, (Ryūkyū Islands), Black Lacquer, Bamboo, and Mother-of-Pearl Keepsake Box
Age:Edo-Meiji Period (19th Century)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 1-5/8”h x 5-0”w x 3-7/8”d
Decorated with a high relief Mother-of-Pearl Grasshopper, this beautiful luxury lacquer box is accented by the use of real, “Painted Bamboo”, (which got its name from its random markings on its golden canes. This treatment has been incorporated on the top of the lid, and all four sides of the box and one of the oldest and richest traditions in Japan, Korea, and China. The piece illustrates the technical and aesthetic accomplishments of a rare and exceptional technique, using an intricate M.O.P. application of this art form. Different hues of inlaid mother-of-pearl and raised outlines detailing the body of the grasshopper, give this motif a three-dimensional appearance, (called tsuishu, or lacquerware with raised designs), and demonstrate the innovation of Ryūkyū Shikki artisans. The piece has a deep green silk lining insert on the bottom of the interior, which looks like there was some thin cord attachment to keep a precious item such as an Obidame in place, (the image of the Obidome is not part of this sale but shown as an imagined object).
The first step in making 'sashimono', (wood joinery), is to cut precise pieces of wood illustrating the varying combinations of natural wood surface treatments used in the design. Then, wood is then cut to create protrusions or indentations that act as joints for there are no nails used to form the box for which the wood was connected at right angles to make the container.
Condition: Excellent condition for the piece is perfect, with no missing elements or color loss, and is in exceptional working condition. A beautiful, original, finish, retaining the original craftsmanship. Museum-quality: meeting the standards of the collector of the Japanese folk art genre.