Antique Japanese Hand Carved Signed Wooden Box - Snakes, Frogs, Bugs etc.

Antiques : Oriental

 

This antique Japanese hand carved wooden nature themed wooden box is a master piece. The base and lid together are int he shape of a large seed pod covered with vines, lily pads, flowers, insects, frogs and a snake. The snake has managed to grab one of the frogs in its mouth. There are 3 additional frogs in the carving. There are 5 mother of pearl flies and one beetle.The leaves of the flowers, lily pad inside the box, and eyes of snake and frogs are also detailed in mother of pearl, though several flower petal are missing. The artist's signature is on an ivory plaque attached tot he bottom of the box.

The box measures about 6" tall by 6.5" long by 5.5" across.

Condition: This box needs some restoration to bring it back to full glory, but it is well worth the effort and the current price reflects its condition. The snakes neck is broken and needs to be re-glued. 2 mother of pearl petals are detached but still present. Several more flower petals are missing entirely. There is evidence of other unknown pieces being missing in other areas. The stem of the pod on the lid is broken off and a piece is missing. There is a split in the wood in the base, though this appears stable. Despite these defects this box is such a magnificent tour de force that it remains quite worthy.

Item ID: Tjb1009

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