Shell-shaped kogo box

Japan, late 19th century

Natural lacquered wood decorated in hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, togidashi maki-e, tsukegaki, kirigane, nashiji and urushi-e. The box was probably used to store perfumes. Symbols of plenty are depicted on the lid (attributes of the deity of fortune and wealth, Daikokuten) – a rat, pearls, a mallet, and cloves against a backdrop of brocade fabric with a knot suggestive of a pouch.

H: 1.3 cm, W: 7.5 cm / L: 11.5 cm

O 334

Purchased from H. Sänger of Hamburg.