Japanese Meiji Maki-e Pear Skin Lacquer Box

Japanese, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Lacquered footed and lidded box (likely cake box or tea caddy) of square form with chamfered corners raised on four wooden feet. Container with black lacquered interior with gilt accents, exterior decorated with maki-e (sprinkled picture) gold powder application, nashiji (pear skin lacquer) and okibirame (individual gold flakes placed onto the sticky lacquer surface) in hachi-no-su or roppouzumi (honeycomb or tortoiseshell) pattern with florals throughout. Marked on bottom with oval mark. Handwritten label on bottom reads "Antique pear skin lacquered cake box with "Matsukawabishi" design bought in Kyoto, Japan by Robert C. and France Swain in 1963, 150 years old.". Footed box approximate height 4.25" x 7" square.