This intricately and lavishly designed box was made in Japan and signed by the artist.   It dates to around 1900 and is in excellent, well-cared-for condition. 

The box is finished in black Urushi lacquer and inlaid on every external surface with tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl in a detailed pattern.  The tendrils of the flowers are engraved wire, which are probably gold.  Some other material is also inlaid but I can't identify it.  The edge of the lid is beveled and inscribed with a delicate carved pattern.  

The box sits on 6 legs and is finished on the inside with red Urushi lacquer.

It measures 5.25" x 4.25" x 2" and the legs add another .75" to the height.

The deep, shiny luster of black or dark red Urushi-ware, often decorated with gold and silver or inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is a Japanese handicraft form that has long fascinated the world.  The sap of the lacquer tree bearing the technical description of urushiol-based lacquer” has traditionally been used in Japan.  As the substance is poisonous to the touch until it dries, the creation of lacquerware has long been practiced only by skilled dedicated artisans

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