Antique Japanese Christie's Lacquered Kobako Incense Box

Description

An old Japanese lacquered small box likely used to contain incense powder called Kobako, circa Momoyama to early Edo period … more An old Japanese lacquered small box likely used to contain incense powder called Kobako, circa Momoyama to early Edo period (16-17th century). The rectangular form box with a fitted lid has the characters of earlier box dated back to Momoyama era, with a robust construction with thicker wall and a rather heavy rims made of lead. The box features rounded corners and a subtle conforming inner line framing the designs. The hiramakie technique was used to depict seven hexagonal shape containing mons of four petals. Honeycomb or tortoiseshell like, they form intriguing groupings on a nashiji background. The interior, as well as the base, were finished in a darker nashiji.
Provenance: Christie's London: Japanese Art and Design, May 14th, 2008. Lot 37. less