Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Kobako (Small Document Chest), Meiji Period

Story

During the Meiji era, Japanese lacquer masters shifted from serving samurai patrons to captivating the Western world with their breathtaking precision. The continuous hawk design across these five drawers meant the artist had to paint the bird as a single, seamless image, knowing any misalignment would ruin the illusion. It is a masterclass in spatial planning and functional art.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece is the product of a highly skilled lacquer workshop active during Japan's golden age of export art. These workshops employed specialized craftsmen—one to build the precise wooden core, another to apply the dozens of microscopic layers of toxic urushi tree sap, and a master maki-e artist to scatter the gold dust.

Condition & Value

The lacquer exhibits a beautiful, high-gloss luster with minor surface scratches and light wear consistent with age, particularly along the sharp edges. The interior lacquer is remarkably clean, and the metal drawer pulls appear original and intact. Excellent preservation of the gold leaf and inlay.