MARUNI OCCUPIED JAPAN MOTHER OF PEARL DRESSER BOX

Updated August 8, 2026

AVAILABLE for SHIPPING or LOCAL PICKUP > Vintage Maruni Japanese lacquerware cigarette, dresser, vanity or trinket box, produced during the Allied occupation of Japan, circa 1945 to 1952. The underside bears the circular Maruni trademark and wording identifying the piece as MADE BY HAND IN OCCUPIED JAPAN ~ MARUNI ~ PATENTED LACQUERWARE ~ METAL BASE. Maruni pieces carrying this Occupied Japan designation were manufactured for export during the immediate postwar period. The rectangular box is constructed upon a metal base rather than pottery, ceramic or glass. Both sections are finished in glossy Japanese lacquer with a subdued black ground mottled by deep reddish brown and caramel toned passages, creating a restrained tortoiseshell effect. The rounded corners, gently domed cover and smoothly fitted lower body give the box a sleek early Mid Century profile. The cover presents an extensive Asian landscape worked with genuine iridescent shell inlay, commonly described as mother of pearl or abalone. The composition includes a multilevel pagoda beside water, rocky islands, flowering trees, distant hilltop architecture, birds and a small boat. Thin shell strips define the architectural railings, water and landscape contours, while individually cut fragments form foliage and other details. Their natural nacre produces shifting turquoise, green, violet, pink and silver coloration as the viewing angle and light change. The Japanese technique of setting thin pieces of shell into a lacquered surface is known as raden. Mother of pearl inlay has a long history within Japanese lacquerwork and was frequently used to create luminous architectural, botanical and landscape compositions against dark lacquer grounds. The long rectangular form was commonly produced as a tabletop cigarette box during the postwar period, although today it is equally suited for jewelry, keepsakes, cards or other small articles. Documented Maruni smoking accessories from the Occupied Japan era use the same patented lacquerware over metal base construction, including cigarette boxes and ashtray sets. CONDITION REPORT > As discovered, not cleaned or altered. Seemingly well preserved.

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