164 - Large lacquered box of the fumibako type, Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)

Large lacquered box of the fumibako type, Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) Rectangular in shape and containing a removable tray. Decorated on a nashiji background with a gold taka makie motif, brown, black, and red depicting a pair of pheasants—one perched on a sinuous trunk of a cherry tree in bloom and the other perched on a rock among water irises near a stylized body of water. The sides feature this delicate naturalistic design, blending flowering branches, grasses, and irises emerging from sinuous waves against a nashiji background. The interior, which opens to reveal a large removable hollow tray, as well as the bottom of the box, are entirely covered with nashiji lacquer featuring a continuous swirling pattern. The design is complemented on the sides by a movable metal ring attached to a chrysanthemum-shaped washer, allowing a cord to be tied to the lid. Signs of wear, scratches, and some chips in the lacquer. 41 x 18.3 cm Provenance: Ternant Castle.