Japanese lacquer ryoshibako (paper box) with Samurai helmet Meiji period

Japanese lacquer ryoshibako (paper box) decorated with a Samurai helmet (kabuto) in gold, silver and red in various lacquer techniques including hiramaki-e and takamaki-e on a black lacquer ground sprinkled with gold flakes. The interior and underside of nashiji and the lid rim edged in silver, with tomobako wood storage box, Meiji period 1868-1912.

The helmet features large, sweeping golden horns (maedate) that rise dramatically from the front, these are both symbolic and ornamental, traditionally used to signal status and clan identity. Beneath them, a finely detailed dragon motif, adding a sense of power and protection. Flowing across the front is a bright red cord tied in an elegant knot, adding movement to the structured design.

Reference: Hiramakie 平蒔絵 a flat sprinkled lacquer technique where the design is raised above the ground only by the thickness of its coats of lacquer.

Takamakie 高蒔絵 a high sprinkled lacquer technique where the lacquer is built up by applying many layers.Togidashie: the design is executed in lacquer and subsequently dusted with gold or silver powder. Once the lacquer has dried, another lacquer layer is applied over the motif to fix the metallic powder in place.

Nashiji 梨子地 irregular flakes of gold sprinkled in clear or yellowish lacquer.

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