Lacquered Wooden Hokai Boxes, 1830, Set of 2

Description

Japan, Rare Pair of Hokai boxes in lacquered wood,and gold leaves , Edo period, circa 1830.with original container boxes.
Hokai … more Japan, Rare Pair of Hokai boxes in lacquered wood,and gold leaves , Edo period, circa 1830.with original container boxes.
Hokai boxes are traditionally used in Japan to hold and transport shells for the game of Kai-awase but are also used as picnic boxes.
The shell game (kai-awase) dates back to the Heian period (9th-12th century) and involves putting together pairs of shells. The inside of the shells, traditionally clams, are painted or engraved with verses, and the challenge is to find the two parts that form a complete theme or poem.
This game goes beyond simple entertainment to take on a deep symbolic meaning. In addition to stimulating the mind and memory, it is charged with spiritual and aesthetic connotations, inviting participants into meditative contemplation of harmony and duality in the universe. As a result, this type of box often constituted precious wedding gifts.
It’s Very rare to have the original crafted container box in dark wood.
Size of each lacquer Hokai Box is: 38 cm diam by 42 cm H size of the container box is 40cm by 40cm by 50cm H. less