$30 · Japanese Lacquered Boxes

Two Japanese lacquered boxes that were purchased in Japan in the 1950's. The large one is 10 1/4" long X 7 1/2" wide and 3" deep - but the actual depth of the box is 1 3/4". The small box measures 5 1/2" long X 3 3/4" wide X 2" deep - but is actually 1" deep. They are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Both boxes are in good condition. They were originally made to store poems, papers, cosmetics, ink slates, water droppers and brushes. The lacquer finish was made from the sap of the Urushi Tree, refined and aged. Both for $30.