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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Lacquer: Pre 1700: Item # 1483470

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The Kura
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817-2 Kannonji Monzen-cho
Kamigyo-ku Kyoto 602-8385
tel.81-75-201-3497
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A very unusual Muromachi to early Edo period (16th to early 17th century) lacquered box decorated outside with a wolf looking up at a crescent moon; inside with floral motif typical of the Muromachi to Momoyama period. The gaunt beast is made of worked lead or suzu (a lead alloy) inlaid into the surface. The moon is powdered silver with chunks of kirigane gold in the shrouding clouds. The box is 22 x 18 x 5 cm (9 x 7-1/2 x 2 inches) and overall, in quite good condition considering the elapse of time. Inside is housed a crescent moon water dropper. The inside of the lid was decorated with suzu-fun (powdered suzu) which has degraded over time leaving pock marks in the surface. There is crinkling of the lacquer and some losses typical of age. It comes in an ancient wooden box.