Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Box Meiji Period

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A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface … Read more A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting a deer feeding among the clusters of patrinia flowers (golden laces, Ominaeshi in Japanese). The color pallet is rather subdued. Small amount of gold was mixed with the silver powder to fill in the body of the deer just to give it a slightly shimmering effect. The pure gold was only used sparsely to highlight the grass seeds and the eye of the deer. On a kuro black background devoid of any further decoration, the scenery suggests the season of autumn and perhaps at night. See less