Japanese Set of 2 Boxes

Two-tier dark box with golden leafy branches rambling across every side.

This set of two lacquered wood boxes is from Japan, and dates to the early 20th century. Lacquered boxes are a long-established Japanese craft, made to hold items such as writing tools, incense, sweets and small personal belongings. Square box in two stacked sections under a fitted flat lid in muted gold. Sprawling gilded branches with small rounded leaves cover the sides on a deep brown-black ground. The gilding is soft and a little rubbed at the corners. It is 9.5 inches wide, 9.5 deep and 7 high.

A whole hedgerow, politely sized for a shelf.