A JAPANESE LACQUER KAI-OKE (BOX FOR THE KAI-AWASE SHELL GAME)

A JAPANESE LACQUER KAI-OKE (BOX FOR THE KAI-AWASE SHELL GAME)
MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

The box, cover and stand decorated in gold hiramaki-e on a black roiro ground with cherry blossoms, scrolling tendrils and the gyōyō mon (family crest with horse fittings ornaments); the box lined in silk with auspicious emblems; the stand finely decorated with seven seashells rendered in relief in gold and coloured lacquer, variously decorated with butterflies, feathers and a branch of paulownia; together with two lose hamaguri (Japanese surf clam) shells, painted to the inside in ink and colour on gold leaf with birds and flowers, 49cm overall. (5)

Provenance: purchased from Robert Brandt Oriental Antiques, London, 9th June 1994; a copy of the original invoice is available.