Hand-painted Gold on Black Japanese Lacquer Box with Figure, Signed folk art carver made of mother of pearl

made of mother of pearl and very finely hand-carved with different scenes on either side

1940s or so)

Joined by nails at corners and bottom and structurally super sound

it's just wonderful

Hand-painted Gold on Black Japanese Lacquer Box with Figure, Signed folk art carver made of mother of pearlI love a good lacquer box, and really love the imagery on this one, with this serene looking cross legged figure, a monk I assume, holding up a brush in one hand and flag like page in the other, painted with what I'd assume is the kanji or signature of its maker. And then those great trees and islands in the background, with abstracted bird flying overhead. I assume this lacquered papier mache box is early 20th century Japanese. The interior is a deep