This is an important example of the finest in late Edo to early Meiji wood carving. The piece is a covered box carved in the shape of a nesting Japanese Crane. Incredible detail to the feathers and head. Fine old patina indicates a dating from 1840 to 1870. The box measures 6 and seven eighths inches long by 3 inches wide by 3 inches high. The interior has been accented with either a light wash of gold lacquer or gold paint. Of particular note is the interior base which has been skillfully carved to make it look as if it were made of strips of interwoven wood or bamboo. The box is signed on the base. The signature translates to Dosen Z ( made by Dosen). The very tip of the tail on the upper lid has had a chipped end which has been very finely restored, we owned the piece for several years and did not even notice the repair until taking the photos for this listing. For the Japanese, the crane or tsuru is considered a national treasure, appearing in art, literature, and folklore. The Japanese regard the crane as a symbol of good fortune and longevity because of its fabled life span of a thousand years. If you wish to browse our entire available inventory please go to OneofaKindAntiques.com. We also offer a consultation service AntiquesConsultant.com, ... as well as an online price guide at PriceMyItem.com. Connecticut residents and buyers picking up in Connecticut please add the CT state sales tax. Buyers outside the USA are responsible for any taxes, tariffs or customs that might apply.

Asian Antiques
Asian Decorative Arts