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This small flat box appears to be made from nine layers of lacquer, alternating from black to red, and with the base colour being black. The lacquer has then been carved into an intricate organic pattern. (Sorry about the dust, I didn't notice it until I saw these enlarged photos.)

Inside the lid, under the right light conditions, you can see what appears to be the grain of a wooden substrate; similarly in the base, under the right conditions, you can see what appears to be a faint circular 'longevity' symbol (see illustration).

Diameter 75 mm - just under 3 inches, height 24 mm - just under 1 inch.

Hello Mike.

What you have is commonly called a Guri carved lacquer piece. It was produced for centuries by both the Chinese and Japanese. Guri is is actually the Japanese name that sort of stuck defining the generic style. It is sometimes very difficult to tell the origin as the two countries sort of copied each other's Guri style. The newer Chinese pieces tend to have stylized cloud patterns similar to those found on Chinese Cloisonne. (kind of like yours) The really old Chinese pieces have more floral like patterns, and tend to have thicker black layers than red layers. Japanese pieces tend to have very smooth swirls without sharp angles. If it were really old, the interior black lacquer would be highly polished. There also would probably be stress cracks in the lacquer on the edges and inside the box. It would help to see a photo of the base. First impression -
Chinese, not that old (less than 50 years). The carving is not very symmetrical or precise, so maybe an export piece???

Guri pieces are not that common, so hang on to it!

Cheers

Dear Doug,

Thank you so much for your precise and detailed response. I agree with you completely on the age. The base (and also the interior) show little signs of wear or handling, which I would expect of something of some significant age.

I have posted a picture of the base, as requested. I apologise for the soft focus, but I hope that it gives you the information you seek.

Sometime soon, I will be posting details of a two coloured (red and black) lacquered hibachi with some extremely intricate design work, which I hope will interest you.

Thanks again.

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