A SMALL PARCEL-GILT BRONZE SAWASA BOX AND COVER 18TH CENTURY Possibly an incense or seal paste...

A SMALL PARCEL-GILT BRONZE SAWASA BOX AND COVER

18TH CENTURY

Possibly an incense or seal paste container, the flattened body raised on a short circular foot, the sides engraved with bands of chevrons and sprays of peaches, chrysanthemum and pine, the lid with shaped cartouche depicting a blossoming prunus tree and two birds, the inside gilded, 6cm. (2)

Cf. The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Sawasa, Japanese export art in black and gold, 1650-1800, pp.107-110 nos.E.5.1 to E.5.7 for related examples of Sawasa boxes.