Description:

East Asia, Japan, Meiji to Taisho era, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A round lidded container, likely a kogo (incense box), crafted from wood and finished in traditional gold maki-e lacquer technique. The domed lid features a finely executed design of herons or egrets standing in shallow water among blooming irises and reeds, rendered in takamaki-e - a raised lacquer technique using gold powder to create dimensional surfaces. The interior reveals a deep, lustrous brown-red lacquer surface embellished with nashiji, a technique in which tiny metal flakes - here, iron and tin - are scattered across the lacquer to produce a sparkling, speckled effect reminiscent of pear skin (hence the term "nashiji," or "pear skin ground"). Size: 3" Diameter x 2" H (7.6 cm x 5.1 cm); gold quality: 20% to 30% (equivalent to 5K to 7K+)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; acquired in 1965

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196195

  • Condition: Nicks to the rims. Scuffs and wear to gold surface, but otherwise good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $249,999:
26.00%
$250,000+:
22.50%

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500