AN UNUSUAL JAPANESE MOTHER OF PEARL AND LACQUER BOX AND COVER

AN UNUSUAL JAPANESE MOTHER OF PEARL AND LACQUER BOX AND COVER
EDO OR MEIJI, 19TH CENTURY

Of rectangular form, the lid richly decorated with a central panel enclosing two confronting cranes in flight, framed by a border of crashing waves and bands of crenellations; the sides with large minogame, the 'flaming tortoises' with long seaweeds trailing behind them; all rendered in mother of pearl inlays on the black lacquer ground; 14.3cm x 29.2cm x 46cm. (2)