A swallowtail butterfly alights on a field of night—golden wings trembling with captured moonlight. Description: This work is a lacquerware piece created during the Showa period (1926-1989). The quality of the workmanship—layered gold tones, intricate mother-of-pearl inlay, and skillful hair-carved maki-e—indicates it was made by a trained lacquer artisan, though the specific creator remains unknown. This rectangular lidded box (futa-mono) presents a refined example of Japanese lacquer craftsmanship, featuring a dramatic butterfly design against a lustrous black ground. The form is softly rounded at all corners and edges, lending an elegant profile to the piece. The lid fits flush with the body, creating a seamless silhouette when closed. The primary decoration depicts a large swallowtail butterfly (ageha-chō) rendered in gold maki-e (sprinkled gold powder) technique across the lid. The butterfly's wings are executed in multiple layers of gold in varying tones—from warm amber to olive-gold to pale rose-gold—creating subtle tonal gradations that suggest the play of light across natural wing scales. Fine incised lines delineate the segmented wing structure, while the wing borders show scalloped edges characteristic of swallowtail species. Inlaid throughout the butterfly's body and wings are numerous small circles of raden (mother-of-pearl), which catch the light with iridescent blue-green flashes. These luminous accents punctuate the maki-e gold with organic irregularity, simulating the eye-spots and natural patterning found on butterfly wings. Flowing gold lines in hair-line maki-e stream across and around the butterfly, suggesting wind currents or the creature's flight path. Scattered across the lid and sides are small gold shapes—appearing as stylized petals or leaves—executed in flat gold (hira maki-e), adding rhythm to the composition. The interior surfaces are finished in plain black lacquer with gold rim borders, presenting a refined contrast to the decorated exterior. The underside of the lid is similarly plain black with a gold border. Cultural & Art Context: The butterfly holds rich symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing joy, longevity, and the transience of life. In classical aesthetics, butterflies often appear as harbingers of spring and symbols of feminine beauty. The swallowtail species depicted here—recognizable by its distinctive tailed hindwings—is particularly associated with elegance and noble bearing. The combination of maki-e and raden techniques represents a pinnacle of Japanese lacquer artistry, with each method requiring years of specialized training to master. Collector Appeal: This box offers an accessible introduction to Japanese lacquer arts, demonstrating both maki-e and raden techniques in a single piece. Its compact size suits display in contemporary interiors or use as a decorative container for small treasures. The subject matter—a butterfly amid swirling currents—carries universal appeal while remaining distinctly Japanese in execution. Condition: Some surface wear, minor scratches visible on lacquer surfaces consistent with age and use. Shipping / Policy: Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Guarantee: Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.