Bidspirit auction | Japanese Meiji Period Maki-e Lacquer

Japanese Meiji Period Maki-e Lacquer Rectangular Box with Floral and Butterfly Decoration - A Japanese rectangular lacquer box dating to the Meiji period, crafted from wood with a dark reddish-brown urushi lacquer finish. The piece features a hinged lid with a slightly domed top. The exterior lid is decorated in the maki-e technique, utilizing sprinkled gold and silver powders to render a composition of a single blooming flower, elongated foliage, a budding pod, and a stylized butterfly. The box is equipped with white metal hardware consisting of two rectangular butt hinges and a front clasp engraved with foliate scroll motifs. The interior is finished in a coordinating dark lacquer. No maker marks, signatures, or labels are visible on the interior or exterior surfaces. Length: 9.375 inches Width: 2.625 inches Height: 2.25 inches. The box is in fair to good antique condition. The exterior lacquer finish shows overall fine surface scratching, scuffing, and areas of clouding visible in photos 1 and 2. Small chips and losses to the lacquer are evident at the corners and along the sharp edges of the lid and base (photos 4, 6, and 8). The interior appears dusty with minor surface grime (photo 7). The white metal hardware exhibits a dark patina and signs of oxidation (photos 3 and 5).