Antique Lacquered Export Games Compendium Box from Japan – around 1880.

(Meiji Perido)

This heightened box is painted in a typical Japanese red-brown tone. The hinged lid and corners are encrusted with gilded carved naturalistic branchwork. The entire Box is raised on gourd-like legs. In the middle of the lid depicts a peaceful Japanese landscape has been lovingly hand-painted and staged. The hinge for closing the lid shows two elephant heads looking at each other. A gold-colored tassel hangs on the key. The lacquered inside of the box is decorated with the elaborate Nashiji technique. There are separate compartments for the gaming counters and the chess pieces. Under the cribbage board there is another compartment for playing cards, pegs, dice and dice shakers.

The game box contains:

  • A black and gold lacquered wooden Japanese chess board, which was floral decorated by hand with gold paint.
  • A wooden, black & brown lacquered „Staunton Chess Set“. The King 4,5 cm, the pawn 3 cm high.
  • A gold and black lacquered wooden cribbage board with 2 black and 2 golden pegs in a little brass box with a cork stopper.
  • 2 Japanese card decks with beautifully decorated Japanese scenes.
  • 2 Japanese dice cups. Black lacquered and florally painted with gold paint.
  • 4 Japanese heavy iron dice in brass finish.
  • Numerous gilt and floral decorated Playing Counters in black, red, brown and sand colors.

Dimension of the Box: 34 x 34 x 13 cm
Dimension of the Chessboard: 27 x 27 x  1 cm  (Square 3 x 3 cm)

Discover a Japanese chessboard here too.

Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 2 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 3 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 4 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 5 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 6 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 7 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 8 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 8 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 8 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 11 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 12 Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century 13

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On January 17, 2006, a similar box turned up at a Christie's auction.
However, without playing cards, pegs, dice and dice cups.

The lid is only painted with flowers here and not with a beautiful landscape scene. Alas the hinge is simpler and without the elephant heads. This box may not be quite as old as the other. But still beautiful!

Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century Christies 1

Antique Japanese Games Compendium Box 19th Century Christies 2

 

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