Passed
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Description
8" (20 cm.) Beautifully rendered lidded box of wood with gofun and painted designs and gold leaf accents, in the auspicious kikko tortoise shell hexagon shape with leather hinges and securing cord, top painted with images taken from the 11th century Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) with scenes of courtiers and ladies seated in a room with a young page seated on the verandah all engaged in conversation, the sides decorated with a outdoor privacy curtain with blossoming cherry trees and a flowing screen, executed in rich natural pigments with a golden cloud design, simple interior covered in white gofun. Light wear to pigments. Late Edo/Early Meiji Era, Mid-19th century. The kikko tortoise shell shape was considered an auspicious design conveying wishes for longevity and was a popular shape for many storage and presentation containers.