Japanese Lacquered Gold Maki-e Naga Fubako Meiji Period

A Japanese lacquered wood Naga Fubako (a long box used to store document or large scroll painting), circa 19th century Meiji period. The rectangular box features an unusually deep lipped lid with slightly rounded corners, a conforming lower box with bronze medallion rings with tasseled silk ties. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated mostly with gold hiramaki-e (low relief maki-e) and some Takamaki-e (high relief) in gold and silver were used on the lower part of the lid. The design showcases stylized branches of Lychee trees with leaves that small fruits and motif of Morning Glory flowers in a nearly abstract form. The lower part of the lid shows a rock out crops with grasses, slightly raised, with a silver and darker golden tone and highlighted with gold kirigane inlays. The design continues and cascades down to the sides of the lid and also echoed on the side of the lower box. The two bronze medallion was cast in the matching shape of the Morning Glory motif, onto which silk tasseled ties are attached. The interiors were finished in nashiji on a black background. Gold fundame traces along the rims.
This Nagafubako has an overall great presence. The design is abstract and focuses on the geometrical essence. The gold maki-e is smooth and lustrous. The fubako appears to have been well used and care for. It has a deep patina, evident from the fading along the contour of the lid as well as small spots of mindful historical restorations. The bronze chrysanthemum rings and the silk ropes appear original.