Japanese Papier Mache Lacquer Box with Interior Scenes powder-lacquered steel While it is more common

While it is more common to find hand-painted bluebirds like these on ceramic pieces than on glass

and a black interior

or love letters

displayed flat on a table or shelf

Japanese Papier Mache Lacquer Box with Interior Scenes powder-lacquered steel While it is more commonI am fairly certain this lovely small Japanese lacquer on papier mache box dates to Meiji period, which extended from 1868 to 1912. It features wonderfully detailed depictions of interior scenes, including figures in beautifully decorated kimonos sitting and eating, all rendered in gold, white and black against red. I just love the specificity of the imagery, down to the facial expressions of each figure, and the overall effect it creates of glimpsing