An unusual Japanese lacquer box for the Dutch market

Edo period, 17th century

Length: 21.5 cm

In the form of a melon and decorated in gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e on a black lacquer ground with four variously shaped cartouches enclosing pavilions in a landscape, butterflies among chrysanthemum, peony and flowers, reserved on a gold ground, with gilt-metal lock and hinged cover, nashiji interior.

Provenance

Collection of the late Soame Jenyns (1904-1976), then by descent within the family.