Japanese Box with Crane & Tortoise Motif

A glossy black box scattered with little yellow-toned crests and sprigs.

This lacquered wood box with crane and tortoise motif is from Japan, and dates to the early 20th century. Japanese lacquer, known as urushi, is built up from many thin layers of tree sap and may be finished with painted or gold-sprinkled decoration. A square lidded box with a mirror-bright black surface, decorated in fine yellow lines. Round medallions and small leafy sprigs are scattered across the top and sides, and the lid has gently sloping edges. It is 6.5 inches wide, 6.5 deep and 2 high.

Black tie with a few sparkling accents.