A JAPANESE OCTAGONAL HOKAI BOX, MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)

Rare octagonal Hokai box with removable lid on separate stand. Lacquered on the outside with a continuous decoration of a large bamboo stem flanked with cherry blossom flowers and a pine tree on a hill. With gold leaf lacquered decorations on a golden brown rough surface ground. The top of the lid centered with a family crest of a Hollyhock in a circle (maru ni migihanaretachi aoi mon), symbolizing loyalty.
The inside covered with blue velvet with kiku motif. The reverse side of the lid with naiji sprinkled gold lacquer. The inside of the rim of the lid show signs of use and are lacking small pieces of lacquer. The hokai stands on its 8 sided base that has some scattered floral decorations on the outside and is naiji gold sprinkled lacquered on the inside. The base stands on 8 rounded feet.
In good original condition with some overall light traces of age and use. Meiji period (1868-1912).
Hokai boxes are transitionally used in Japan to store and carry shells for Kai-awase game in Edo and Meiji Period.

Size; H . : 40 cm D. : 34 cm W. : 34 cm.