Carved from a single block of solid hardwood, this mid-20th century Japanese box shows a pheasant moving through cherry and plum blossom in deep relief, and the carving runs over the lid and all four sides. Years of handling have smoothed the high points to a warm patina, and the plain golden interior has a fitted rim under a lift-off lid. It is heavy in the hand and honestly worn, with a small loss along one rim edge.
Details
Vintage Japanese hand-carved box, mid-20th century
Solid hardwood, carved from a single block with a lift-off lid
Deep relief decoration: a pheasant among cherry and plum blossoms, continued around all four sides
Warm aged patina with naturally darkened high points
Plain golden-toned interior with a fitted rim
Approximate dimensions: 17 cm long x 11 cm wide x 9 cm high
Condition: very good honest vintage condition, with light wear and age consistent with use; no structural damage. A small loss is present along one rim edge, in keeping with its age
