Japanese Black Lacquer Smoking Box Mother-of-Pearl Birds & Pomegranates - Mid 20th Century

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Elegant and quietly sophisticated, this vintage Japanese lacquer smoking box embodies the restrained beauty of mid-century Japanese design. A polished … Read more Elegant and quietly sophisticated, this vintage Japanese lacquer smoking box embodies the restrained beauty of mid-century Japanese design. A polished black lacquer lid is framed in rich oxblood red and exquisitely inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl depicting two birds perched among flowering branches and ripe pomegranates—traditional symbols of harmony, prosperity, abundance, and good fortune.

Unlike many heavily ornamented lacquer pieces, this example embraces balance and negative space. The luminous shell catches changing light with subtle flashes of blue, violet, and green, lending the composition remarkable depth without overwhelming the eye. The result is a decorative object that feels both refined and timeless.

Opening the hinged lid reveals a vibrant vermilion interior fitted with its original removable brass ashtray, allowing the piece to function equally well today as a jewelry box, keepsake box, valet, desk accessory, or decorative storage piece.

Dating to approximately 1945–1960, this handsome box reflects the elegant transition between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the clean lines favored by the early Mid-Century Modern era. See less