Rare Meiji Period Japanese Lacquer Writing Box (Circa 1880)

An exceptional and highly decorative Japanese export writing box of imposing proportions, featuring a remarkably complex and intricate interior. Crafted during the Meiji period (circa 1880), this rare, high-quality example survives in very good condition—a notable feat, as high-relief raised gilt lacquer of this nature is exceptionally fragile and typically suffers heavy losses from wear.

Exquisite Exterior Decoration

• The Lid: Features a masterfully detailed garden scene centring on an ornamental cart and flowering shrubs. The focus of the composition is a dramatic pair of disgruntled cockerels in conflict, each rendered with a remarkably fierce, lifelike expression. The entire scene is executed in raised black lacquer (takamaki-e) and meticulously hand-painted in gold and vibrant red.

• The Façade: Adorned with a central brass escutcheon plate and lock, the front is equally ornate. It depicts a narrative continuation of the lid: two exotic male birds about to fight amidst a rich floral landscape, a classic avian display likely representing a mating season rivalry.

• The Sides & Reverse: Styled with restraint to balance the composition, featuring elegant, occasional gilt patterns. The sides are mounted with robust, original brass carrying handles.

Sophisticated Internal Architecture

The box opens on stop hinges and secures reliably with a spring-loaded stay, revealing an interior that is as much a work of art as the exterior:

• Upper Lid Interior: Beautifully hand-painted in raised lacquer with avian and floral motifs. It houses six vertical stationery compartments flanking a central closed cabinet accessed via a hinged, drop-down door.

• The Writing Slope: The secondary inner section boasts matching lacquer decoration across its upper surface. It hinges forward to form an original red velvet-lined writing slope. Both halves of the slope lift to reveal deep, secondary storage wells.

• Secret & Fitted Compartments: Opening the rear section allows access to a lift-out panel. Removing this panel uncovers a hidden, fully fitted interior containing four miniature drawers and two pigeonholes. Directly above this sits a specialised accessory well outfitted for an ink bottle, pens, stamps, and desktop ephemera.

Condition & Mechanics

All metal hardware and fittings appear to be entirely original and fully functional. The spring-loaded stay and hinges operate smoothly. Please note: There is no key present to test the lock; it currently remains safely in the open position. The piece exhibits minor, honest signs of age and wear consistent with use, but remains a spectacularly preserved showcase of late 19th-century Japanese craftsmanship.

Dimensions

• Closed: Height 20cm × Depth 32cm × Width 49cm

• Open: Height 48cm × Depth 60cm × Width 49cm

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

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