Aizu Lacquer Musical Jewellery Box, 1980s, Japan

An elegant Japanese jewellery box with glossy black lacquer and a musical mechanism.

Dimensions: height 13 cm, width 21 cm, depth 19 cm.

Clematis vines wind across the lid, with flowers in warm orange and gold tones. A mother-of-pearl detail gleams at the heart of one flower. The Aizu region has a centuries-old tradition of fine lacquerware.

When the lid opens, the music begins to play and the upper tier rises. Beneath the mirror are two compartments with removable lacquered lids and purple tassels, with a section for rings between them. The lower tier offers two further compartments, while the musical mechanism is concealed separately.

The deep red lining makes a beautiful contrast with the black lacquer. A special place to keep jewellery and small treasures, and lovely displayed on a dressing table.

In perfect condition as new old stock, complete with its key, original cardboard box and leaflet. The musical mechanism works.