Japanese Marquetry and Black Lacquer Lidded Box with Interior Tray decorative weaving Woven together are distorted proverbs

Woven together are distorted proverbs

and on one side some of the blue bleeds into the cream

though am unsure of its maker

as is its traditional purpose

Great in the kitchen or pantry--looks like a mason jar to me

Japanese Marquetry and Black Lacquer Lidded Box with Interior Tray decorative weaving Woven together are distorted proverbsI believe this box is Meiji period Japanese, as I have found a few other pieces cabinets mostly with very very similar marquetry patterning, called Yosegi in Japan, combined with black lacquered interiors as is the case here. What I really love about it is the way the triangular motif plays out across the top and sides, in different varieties of wood subtly and surprisingly defying expectations. Really sharp looking, and a useful box too, with an