Japanese Antique Lacquer Maki-E Miniature Hasami-Bako with Copper Mounts

A Japanese lacquered box with lid in the shape of a miniature Hasami-Bako (traveling chest) circa late 18 to early 19th century of the Edo period. The black box is decorated with fine golden hiramaki-e painting of scrolling vines, pine needles and arrangement of Botan (peony) mon. This specific family crest was initially used by the influential Konoe family, a branch house of the Fujiwara clan. Only houses with marital ties to the Konoe family could use this crest, and illustrious houses such as the Shimazu, Kozuke, Matsudaira, Date, and Tsugaru families all used this botan-mon during the Edo period. The box was made as a miniature of Hasami-Bako completed with all the gilt and chased copper nanako mounts on the corners of the lid and the trunk, as well as a pad lock mechanism in the front and the back (even with a hook). Fundame rims with numerous chips and a black lacquered interior. A rather design for a desktop item, used to store small personal items, with very fine maki-e workmanship. The exterior shows a slight browning of the black lacquer due to oxidation under the light. The box presents with an honest dignity and elegance in keeping with its age and expected patina.