A fine lacquer 'tebako'

Description:

Japan, signed Hakuo saki, (Takai Hakuo, 1895-1951)
7 x 7 x 3,5 cm
The small cosmetic box of square shape with rounded corners decorated on the lid in gold takamaki-e on a roiro ground sprinkled with nashiji with large dianthus flowers, the sides matching the ground, the interior decorated with further dianthus on a bright nashiji ground, silver rims.
From an old North German private collection, acquired between 1992 and 1994, this tebako purchased at Christie's New York, 27.4.1994, lot 163 - Minimal signs of age, good condition