Rare Antique Japanese Edo Era (C1750) Samurai Dagger Box Family Crests Lacquer

This is a rare Edo era (17th or 18th century) antique Japanese samurai dagger box . This light wooden box is finely carved of cryptomeria wood and coated in over 20 coats of gold dust covered lacquer and raised gold kiku and kiri mon (crests). These mon are the symbols of the government imperial crest respectively, suggesting this was a gift from the imperial government to a samurai.

The red lacquer that originally covered the lid is so densely decorated with gold dust that it is only visible from the centuries of wear to the maki-e crests on the lid. The gold dust is coated inside and out as are crests set into the inner box walls as well as the lid. The detail and care put into every part of this box from the original long cord and fastener to the finest gold brush stroke was done with the utmost care and precision. These boxes are not easily found online so this may be your only chance to own a museum quality samurai piece of this type for your collection.

It measures 15 1/4" by 2 1/2" by 2 1/2" (38 x 6.5 x6.5 cm) and is in very good condition with only slight signs of wear due to its age.