A Japanese export lacquer four-tiered lacquer picnic box, possibly 17th Century.

The exterior of the box is decorated with sparrows in flight and a wonderfully solemn owl perched on a branch above a sheaf of wheat; each box with a black lacquer interior, 28cm high.

Japanese picnic boxes traditionally have four sections, one each for rice, fish, vegetables and pickles.

The fourth, rather damaged section, is not shown here.

REFERENCE: JWA09049

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