Antique Japanese maki-e lacquerware Box
Updated September 20, 2026
| Lot number | 37 |
| Estimate | 800.00 - 1,000.00 USD |
| Category | Antiques & Furniture |
| Auction | SEPTEMBER ANTIQUE AND ARTS AUCTION |
| Date | September 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT |
| Auction house | Affinity Antique Auction |
| Location | Fresh Meadows, New York |
Dimension: 5 1/2"W. The item features a circular, deep-walled lower vessel paired with a matching, deep-rimmed overlapping domed lid. The continuous takamaki-e lacquer landscape seen on the top extends seamlessly down onto the exterior walls of the lower box, illustrating a continuous botanical scenery. The interior of the lid is decorated with an incredibly dense Nashiji (pear-skin) lacquer finish. Tiny, irregular flakes of pure gold leaf are suspended within multiple layers of translucent clear urushi lacquer. Because the flakes sit at slightly varying depths and angles, they catch and diffuse light, creating a deep, luminous, and shimmering golden surface. The rim is cleanly bound by a protective silver or pewter band (okurimi). The base or underside of the box presents a beautiful contrast, showcasing a textured gold dust sprinkling on a solid black lacquer ground. Rather than the dense, layered gold leaf flakes of the nashiji interior, this section features finely granulated gold powder scattered across a mirror-polished black background, simulating a starry night sky.
