Antique Japanese black lacquer box, likely dating from the Meiji period

This item is an antique Japanese black lacquer box, likely dating from the Meiji period in the 19th century. 

    •    Material: It is crafted from black lacquer over papier-mâché. 

    •    Design: The box features intricate gold decoration (chinoiserie style) depicting figures in scenic settings, such as playing games or riding in boats. 

    •    Function: It serves as a decorative storage box, often used as a trinket box or tea caddy. 

    •    Origin: While depicting Japanese scenes, these boxes were sometimes produced in France during the Napoleon III era in a Japanese style