Rare Fine Japanese Antique Lacquered Box Shogun Mon Tokugawa Edo Samurai Era
RARE FINE BEAUTIFUL LACQUERED BOX with the IMPORTANT MONS (Heraldic crest) of the Shogun Tokugawa, the THREE HOLLYHOCKS, also with winding tendrils and leaves in gold lacquer!!! The lacquered MONS, all painted / lacquered (sometimes with a single hair) and of incredible detail and consistency!!!
To paint a complex design is VERY DIFFICULT, but to complete this task with unbelievable accuracy and consistency is truly mind blowing, and that is an understatement, such were the masterwork skills of these artists!!! The amount of time to carry out such work must have been very extensive and expensive!!! The inside of the box, with NASHIJI lacquer work, gold sprinkles in the lacquer.
The boxes measure approx 246mm long by 175mm wide by 89mm high!!! Generally in good condition, SOLID, but as to be expected with very old lacquer items, there are minor chips, old touch ups, losses, tiny dents, discolouration, stains, marks, wood shrinkage etc all commensurate with age!!!
There are some very famous lacquer work artists, some now National Treasures of Japan!!! The boxes would be great for a Japanese or Samurai collection for display!!! This was always a favourite box in the collection!!! Please see my other interesting items!