The boxes and covers are decorated with pavilions in landscapes in gold hiramaki-e on a black lacquer ground and contain fitted trays with similar decoration, 10.8cm wide.
The 1835 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Japan Closet, Glass case opposite the window, A pair of sexagon boxes with trays inside Black & Gold.’
The 1867 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Cabinets, No 88 Japan Closet, 2 black and gold sexagon boxes with trays inside.’
