Antique Japanese Meiji Era (C.1880) Lacquer Wooden Lidded Soup / Rice Bowl

This is an antique Japanese late Meiji Era (c. 1900) gold and red lacquer lidded bowl. It was hand turned from cryptomeria wood with over twenty layers of red lacquer. There is an image of two cranes etched into the layers of lacquer. Gold was then applied into the etched areas. Japanese lacquer is considered the finest in the world. This type of bowl was often used for soup or rice. The lid fits nicely on the bowl.

It was protected over the years by its original protective box (see last picture - not included) which housed some 20 similar bowls.

Having been in storage for over a century and protected by its wooden presentation box, and looking like it was never used, this lidded bowl remains in fine polish and in excellent condition. It measures 4 1/2" in diameter by 3" tall (11 x 7.5 cm).

Guaranteed to be in excess of 120 years in age.