Photo Credit: Dezima-Antiques from Kyushu
Japanese Edo-Meiji Period Maki-e Lacquer Kogo (incense box)
Buy It Now Price: $580 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a stunningly beautiful Japanese lacquer kogo, or incense box, from the Edo or Meiji period. There is more on this attribution below in the “cons” section. The box measures 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) by 2.3 inches (5.9 centimeters) by 0.8 inches (2.1 centimeters). It weighs 1.7 ounces (47 grams).
-It uses maki-e (gold dust) and raden (inlaid mother of pearl) decoration against a chocolate brown lacquer background. Naturalistic scenes – in this case two butterflies hovering above a profusion of wildflowers – are a common theme in Japanese art.
-This lacquer kogo comes with its original, well-patinaed wooden storage box! This is quite a coup, considering the age of the piece. An original box always raises the price and desirability of an antique.
Cons:
–Antique or vintage Japanese lacquerware can be notoriously difficult to date correctly. Although the seller purports that this lacquerware box is late Edo or early Meiji period (circa 1860 to 1880), I find that attribution unlikely. The cross-hatched, linear mother of pearl inlay is clearly influenced by Art Deco style, something not found in 19th century works. I think it much more probable that this is a Taisho or early Showa era lacquer box from the 1920s or 1930s. There is a possibility the piece could be of post World War II vintage as well. Happily, this potential misattribution does not significantly impact pricing or desirability.
-This lacquerware box has minor wear around the rim where the two separate sections meet. It is not severe and is therefore acceptable given the age and quality of the item.
-The lacquer-work on this box is of a very high caliber, with tremendous attention to detail. However, the piece is also rather small, with its greatest dimension only being 3 inches (7.5 centimeters). While undoubtedly an investment grade piece, its desirability is slightly reduced by its small size. Taking this into account, the asking price of $580 still seems fair, though.
