Box - Lacquer (urushi) - Quail & Hagi Maki-e

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Black lacquer (urushi) rectangular box with a fitted lid, decorated in maki-e with quail and bush clover, made in Japan, measuring 21 cm by 15 cm by 4 cm and weighing 396 g, in generally good condition with light age-related wear and a small red seal mark on the lid.

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Description from the seller

Item Description
This is a black lacquer (urushi) box of rectangular form with a fitted lid, decorated in maki-e technique with a design of two quail resting beneath a flowering branch of bush clover (hagi). The motif is rendered in gold and reddish-brown togidashi/hiramaki-e style, with fine detailing on the birds' feathers achieved through layered gold powder application, set against a deep black lacquer ground. A small red seal mark is visible on the lower right of the lid, though the artist or workshop it refers to has not been identified with certainty.

The interior of the box and lid is finished in plain black lacquer, and the exterior sides and base show a dark reddish-brown (kuro-tame or similar) hue where the lacquer catches the light. The box has a smooth, rounded rectangular profile with softly curved corners, typical of quality Japanese lacquerware boxes intended for storing small personal items, letters, or accessories.

Given the subject matter of quail and bush clover, a classic autumnal motif in Japanese decorative arts, and the quality of the maki-e work, this piece likely dates from the mid-to-late 20th century and was crafted as a fine presentation or keepsake box.

Size
Height: 4 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 21 cm

Weight
396 g

Condition
The lacquer surface is in generally good condition with a strong glossy finish; light surface scuffs and fine age-related wear consistent with careful use are visible under close inspection, particularly along the edges and base. No cracks, losses, or repairs to the lacquer or maki-e decoration were observed upon visual inspection.

Additional Information
Medium: Black lacquer (urushi) with gold and colored maki-e decoration
Origin: Japan
Motif: Quail and bush clover (hagi), a traditional autumn design in Japanese art
A small red seal/signature mark appears on the lid, though it has not been possible to conclusively identify the maker

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.

Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.

Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.

Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.

Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.

Seller's Story

A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art. I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans. With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence. My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home. I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google Translate

Item Description
This is a black lacquer (urushi) box of rectangular form with a fitted lid, decorated in maki-e technique with a design of two quail resting beneath a flowering branch of bush clover (hagi). The motif is rendered in gold and reddish-brown togidashi/hiramaki-e style, with fine detailing on the birds' feathers achieved through layered gold powder application, set against a deep black lacquer ground. A small red seal mark is visible on the lower right of the lid, though the artist or workshop it refers to has not been identified with certainty.

The interior of the box and lid is finished in plain black lacquer, and the exterior sides and base show a dark reddish-brown (kuro-tame or similar) hue where the lacquer catches the light. The box has a smooth, rounded rectangular profile with softly curved corners, typical of quality Japanese lacquerware boxes intended for storing small personal items, letters, or accessories.

Given the subject matter of quail and bush clover, a classic autumnal motif in Japanese decorative arts, and the quality of the maki-e work, this piece likely dates from the mid-to-late 20th century and was crafted as a fine presentation or keepsake box.

Size
Height: 4 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 21 cm

Weight
396 g

Condition
The lacquer surface is in generally good condition with a strong glossy finish; light surface scuffs and fine age-related wear consistent with careful use are visible under close inspection, particularly along the edges and base. No cracks, losses, or repairs to the lacquer or maki-e decoration were observed upon visual inspection.

Additional Information
Medium: Black lacquer (urushi) with gold and colored maki-e decoration
Origin: Japan
Motif: Quail and bush clover (hagi), a traditional autumn design in Japanese art
A small red seal/signature mark appears on the lid, though it has not been possible to conclusively identify the maker

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.

Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.

Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.

Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.

Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.

Seller's Story

A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art. I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans. With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence. My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home. I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Weight
396 g
Title additional information
Quail & Hagi Maki-e
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Lacquer (urushi)
Style
Vintage
Colour
Black
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
4 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
21 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
Sold by
JapanVerified
146
Objects sold
96.67%
pro

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