Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Box - Traditional Scene - Vintage Gold Jewelry Box - 20th Century

This rectangular Japanese lacquer box is a representative example of craftsmanship from the interwar period, decorated using the traditional Maki-e technique. The piece features a detailed narrative scene capturing daily life in a historical Japanese urban setting.

Object History: The Maki-e technique (literally "sprinkled picture") reached its technical maturity during the Meiji period and continued to be produced with high quality through the Taisho era (1912-1926). This object was designed for the high-end domestic or export market, serving as a container for jewelry or desk items. The iconography shows figures in traditional dress among stone lanterns and classic architectural structures.

Details and Condition:
- Period: 1920s
- Technique / Style: Maki-e (gold powder on urushi lacquer)
- Size: 19 cm x 10 cm x 3 cm (approx. 7.5 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches)
- Material: Wood, Lacquer, Gold
- Condition: Authentic antique condition. The lid shows light surface abrasions and edge wear. The base exhibits pronounced scratches and partial loss of the glossy finish due to historical use. The three-compartment interior maintains a solid structure.

Application and Value: A piece of interest for collectors of Asian art and Japanese lacquer. Its functional design and ethnographic importance make it an ideal object for decorative arts studies or as a centerpiece in an Oriental-inspired interior.