Up for sale is a beautiful, early 20th-century Japanese wooden card case or trinket box, dating from the late Meiji to the Taisho period. This piece features a striking, deeply etched, and hand-painted relief carving of a traditional bamboo grove (take), symbolizing strength and prosperity.
Features & Details:
- Artistry: Exquisite hand-carved details with rich green and dark brown pigment highlights that make the bamboo design pop against the natural wood.
- Finish: Coated in a warm, translucent honey-yellow lacquer that showcases the organic grain of the wood, beautifully framed by a crisp, black-lacquered upper rim.
- Design: Traditional two-piece construction with a tight, flush-fitting pull-off lid. Originally designed to hold visiting cards (meishi), it works perfectly today for standard playing cards, business cards, or small jewelry.
Condition Report:
- Overall: Very good antique condition with a beautiful aged patina.
- Lid: Fits securely and flush to the body.
- Wear: Several light scratches present, mostly located along the reverse edges.
- Discoloration: A small amount of minor discoloration is visible along the front bottom edge in the left-hand corner.
- Note: Please review all high-resolution photos carefully to inspect these details and judge the exact condition.
Dimensions:
- Height: 11 cm (approx. 4.3 inches)
- Width: 7 cm (approx. 2.7 inches)
- Depth: 3.2 cm (1.25 inches)
An exceptional addition to any collection of Asian antiques, Japanese lacquerware, or vintage desktop accessories.