Lacquer - Japan - Japan 19th century

Superb 19th-century Japanese inro with two compartments in red-brown ro-iro lacquer, decorated in ro-iro lacquer with an owl (fuku) on a branch, a symbol of luck and protection.
The owl in Japan represents knowledge, wisdom, and benevolence — and a bird in flight above a branch of sakura (cherry blossom).
Interior in ro-iro lacquer — silk cord and an agate ojime.
Japan, Edo period (1605–1868)
- Era: 19th century