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Antique Japanese Lacquered Boxes – Floral, Butterfly & Dragonfly Decoration – Pair
A beautiful and highly decorative pair of old Japanese lacquered boxes, featuring exquisite floral and insect compositions against a rich, glossy black lacquer ground.
Each box displays its own distinctive design, combining delicate naturalistic imagery with the refined elegance and artistic sensitivity characteristic of traditional Japanese decorative arts.
The larger box, constructed from lightweight wood, is particularly charming, featuring a graceful arrangement of Pearl-white chrysanthemums surrounded by delicate green foliage and finely rendered golden stems. A beautifully detailed butterfly, its wings highlighted in warm amber, brown and black tones, adds movement and character to the composition.
The smaller box, apparently made from lacquered papier-mâché or a similar composition material, presents an equally attractive but more restrained design. Delicate flowers, slender grasses and a graceful dragonfly are rendered in harmonious shades of gold, copper-red and soft silver-grey, creating an elegant and atmospheric composition.
The decoration is finely executed, with subtle shading, delicate outlines and attractive metallic accents contrasting beautifully with the deep black lacquer surfaces.
Both boxes feature softly rounded rectangular forms, gently domed fitted lids and black interiors. Their elegant proportions and individual decorative compositions make them especially appealing when displayed together.
Details
Origin: Probably Japan
Period: Possibly late 19th to early 20th century
Materials: Lacquered wood (larger box); lacquered papier-mâché or similar composition (smaller box)
Decoration: Hand-painted floral and insect motifs with gilt-coloured detailing
Largest box dimensions: Approximately 12 × 7.5 × 5 cm
Largest box weight: Approximately 140 grams
Quantity: Two boxes, offered together
Condition
Good antique/vintage condition, with signs of age and use, including surface scratches, rubbing, minor lacquer losses and occasional imperfections, particularly around the edges and corners.
The interiors also show evidence of use. These age-related characteristics contribute to the boxes\' appealing old-world character.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Collectors\' Appeal
A delightful and unusual pair of Japanese lacquered boxes, distinguished by their charming naturalistic decoration, delicate craftsmanship and contrasting floral compositions.
Their combination of chrysanthemums, butterflies and dragonflies reflects the Japanese appreciation of nature and seasonal beauty.
An attractive addition to a collection of Japanese lacquerware, Asian decorative arts or antique boxes, and equally appealing as an elegant decorative display.
Offered together as a pair.
