Of elegant rectangular form raised on four shaped feet, the exterior finely decorated in gold maki-e against a densely sprinkled nashiji ground. The cover and sides are worked with a continuous garden landscape featuring towering bamboo, flowering plum (ume) and chrysanthemums (kiku) amid flowing grasses and foliage, the composition extending seamlessly around the body of the box.
The decoration is executed predominantly in hiramaki-e, enriched with areas of subtly modelled takamaki-e, creating a gentle relief that lends depth and vitality to the floral and bamboo motifs without excessive projection. Finely rendered details and tonal variations in the gold lacquer demonstrate the accomplished workmanship associated with Meiji-period lacquer production.
The interior is finished in matching nashiji, the shimmering gold-sprinkled surface providing a refined contrast to the more elaborate exterior decoration. The underside and feet are similarly lacquered, reflecting the attention given to every aspect of the piece.
The combination of bamboo, plum blossom and chrysanthemum forms a classical auspicious subject within Japanese decorative arts, symbolising resilience, renewal and longevity.
Length: 29 cm Width: 8.5 cm Height: 6 cm
Condition: Good overall condition, commensurate with age. Minor wear and rubbing to extremities and edges, together with light surface wear consistent with careful use and handling over time. No significant losses to the lacquer decoration observed.
