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Shibayama inlaid ivory with mother of pearl, shell and coral trinket box with flowers and insect / bug and butterfly decoration. Made in Japan during the Meiji period - 19th - early 20th century. <br>
Measures slightly under 2 1/2 inches in diameter and a little over 1 1/8 inch high.
The box is made of ivory. The lid is richly inlaid with butterflies flowers and foliage made of coral and mother of pearl. The MOP and coral are further enhanced by engraved highlights.
The inside of the lid is inlaid with a little beetle, appears to be made of a dark shell. The detail is so fine that it can only be seen with a magifying glass. Another two beetles are to be found on both the inside and bottom of the base. One in coral and one in mother of pearl. The box is constructed with a small disk in the center of the base that can be removed. <br>
Condition is generally very good. There is one flower on the lid that appears to be a replacement since it does not show the same fine work as the rest of the piece. Careful scrutiny of the inside of the lid reveals that a small amount of the ivory has worn away, but this is not visible from the outside. |
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