Lacquer storage box with cranes c. 19th century

This lacquer storage box with cranes was made by an anonymous artist, and we don't have an exact date for it. It is a beautiful example of a practical object elevated through skilled craftsmanship. The box is constructed from wood, coated in layers of black lacquer, and inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl. The lacquer gives the box a smooth, lustrous surface, while the mother-of-pearl adds shimmering details of cranes, deer, trees, and clouds. These inlays weren’t simply stuck on, but carefully inserted into the surface, a labor-intensive process demanding patience and precision. Consider the social context of this object. Such boxes were not just functional items, but signifiers of status and taste. The elaborate decoration speaks to the wealth and sophistication of its owner, and the time and resources invested in its creation. The box invites us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday life, and challenges our assumptions about the divide between craft and art.