Japanese box. Meiji Era (1808-1912).

Japanese box. Meiji Era (1808-1912).
Lacquered wood, gilded and inlaid bone, with representation of samurai.
Measurements: 15 x 42 x 32,5 cm.

This piece is a refined Japanese box made of lacquered wood, a characteristic example of the high quality craftsmanship of the Meiji period. In this period, Japanese decorative arts achieved international recognition, often representing historical or heroic scenes with great technical virtuosity.

The surface is covered with a black lacquer (urushi), polished to a deep mirror-like glossy finish, which serves as a perfect background for the detailed scene. The lid is magnificently decorated with the figure of a samurai on horseback. The warrior is depicted in colorful battle attire, with finely crafted details denoting his high rank. The face of the samurai has been made with bone inlay to highlight his features. The figure of the horseman is integrated into a landscape background, suggested by the branches of a pine tree.

The decoration is mainly made with the maki-e technique, in which gold dust and other metals are sprinkled on the wet lacquer to create the luxurious details of the armor, the horse and the environment.