Three black-lacquer boxes and covers


Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryEach lacquered predominantly in gold and slight coloured hiramaki-e and takamaki-e, the first a square box decorated with cranes in flight and standing beneath stands of bamboo growing besides a meandering stream, the interior of rich nashiji and fitted with six integral kobako (small boxes) each decorated with a flowering seasonal flower or insect, unsigned; 7.7cm x 22.5cm x 24.1cm (3in x 8 7/8in x 9½in); the second a deep circular box embellished with stems of lilies, unsigned, 8cm x 15.7cm (3 1/8in x 6 1/8in); the third a rectangular box raised on four cabriole legs and decorated with overlapping cherry blossoms, unsigned; 7.5cm x 8.8cm x 11.5cm (3in x 3½in x 4½in). (18).