Pair of hokai 行器 (covered portable food containers) - Lacquered wood, Gilt brass - Japan - 19th centuy (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period)
04
days
13
hours
44
minutes
51
seconds
Current bid
€ 400
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,000
 | €400 | |
|---|---|---|
| €1 |
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Pair of hokai from Japan dating to the 19th century Late Edo / Early Meiji period, in lacquered wood with gilt brass fittings, each 43 cm high and 38 cm in diameter, decorated with gold hiramaki-e fans and pine sprays, with wisteria inside the covers and black lacquer interiors, four splayed legs, excellent original condition with some wear to metal fittings, certificate of authenticity included.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A pair of lacquered wooden hokai 行器 (covered portable food containers), decorated with open and closed folding fans 扇子 (sensu) and sprays of pine. Each fan bears its own floral design, worked in gold hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) with nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) details against glossy black lacquer. Wisteria sprays decorate the inside of the covers.
The cylindrical containers have gently ribbed sides and stand on four splayed legs. Gilt metal fittings accent the covers, rims and feet, while the interiors are finished in black lacquer.
Hokai have served multiple functions throughout Japanese history. Primarily used as portable food containers—much like travel lunch boxes—they were favoured for their durable lacquered surfaces, which helped preserve food by repelling moisture and insects. Less commonly known, these elegant boxes were also used to store and transport shells for the traditional shell-matching game kai-awase during the Edo and Meiji periods.
Period: Japan – 19th centuy (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period)
Dimensions: Each measures 43 cm high and 38 cm in diameter.
In good original condition considering their age, with wear consistent with time and use, including some losses to the metal fittings. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateA pair of lacquered wooden hokai 行器 (covered portable food containers), decorated with open and closed folding fans 扇子 (sensu) and sprays of pine. Each fan bears its own floral design, worked in gold hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) with nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) details against glossy black lacquer. Wisteria sprays decorate the inside of the covers.
The cylindrical containers have gently ribbed sides and stand on four splayed legs. Gilt metal fittings accent the covers, rims and feet, while the interiors are finished in black lacquer.
Hokai have served multiple functions throughout Japanese history. Primarily used as portable food containers—much like travel lunch boxes—they were favoured for their durable lacquered surfaces, which helped preserve food by repelling moisture and insects. Less commonly known, these elegant boxes were also used to store and transport shells for the traditional shell-matching game kai-awase during the Edo and Meiji periods.
Period: Japan – 19th centuy (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period)
Dimensions: Each measures 43 cm high and 38 cm in diameter.
In good original condition considering their age, with wear consistent with time and use, including some losses to the metal fittings. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Dynastic Style/Period
19th centuy (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period)
Number of objects
2
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Lacquered wood, Gilt brass
Height
43 cm
Width
38 cm
Title of artwork
Pair of hokai 行器 (covered portable food containers)
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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