Antique Japanese Edo Incense Lacquer Mini Container

Description

A Small Incense 18th Century Japanese Container made with attention to detail at every stage in the lacquer-making process.
This miniature work is as painstakingly made as large custom made high quality early writing boxes.
The box may have been made to be carried inside the fold of a kimono and to hold a small quantity of medicine.
In more recent times it would have been used as a container for incense in the tea ceremony.
The design of the top of the lid fashioned with pieces of abalone shell,brown and gold lacquer leaves as well as butterflies ( maki and takamakie).
The gold foil set in the in the lacquer.The same "butterflies patterns"  are around four sides of the box.
The underside of the lid is an additional elaborate work is done: the bird sits next to the blossoming iris flower ( takamakie technique).
The backgroung of under the lid as well as all sides and the bottom are made with nice Nashiji lacquer technique.
The box design represents summer season and based on Japanese poetry ... Unsigned as many grea
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Edo pieces. Size:9mm x 35mm x 28mm)
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