Japanese Lacquered Box And Its Edo Diamond-patterned Tray - Japan

A carved and lacquered wooden box with an integrated tray in the shape of two interlocking diamonds. The exterior of the box features geometric and traditional designs in gold makie lacquer on a black background. The interior is finished in nashiji lacquer (sparkled with gold). Under the lid, a landscape scene with flowers and foliage by a lake is depicted in gold and silver makie lacquer, along with rocks in takamakie lacquer (a very thick lacquer that creates a raised effect) and kirigane (small squares of gold or silver leaf) on a nashiji lacquer background. The interior tray is also finished in nashiji lacquer with a fence design echoing the geometric motifs and foliage in gold makie lacquer and kirigane. The edges and interior of the box are also finished in nashiji lacquer. Japan, Edo period, 19th century, 20.5 x 11.5 x 11 cm. The piece is in very good overall condition with a very slight dent on the lid and a small crack in the lacquer on the side of the lid. Nothing that detracts from the beauty of this piece.