Pair of hokai 行器 (covered portable food containers) - Lacquered wood

A pair of lacquered wooden hokai 行器 (covered portable food containers), decorated with open and closed folding fans 扇子 (sensu) and sprays of pine. Each fan bears its own floral design, worked in gold hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) with nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) details against glossy black lacquer. Wisteria sprays decorate the inside of the covers. The cylindrical containers have gently ribbed sides and stand on four splayed legs. Gilt metal fittings accent the covers, rims and feet, while the interiors are finished in black lacquer. Hokai have served multiple functions throughout Japanese history. Primarily used as portable food containers—much like travel lunch boxes—they were favoured for their durable lacquered surfaces, which helped preserve food by repelling moisture and insects. Less commonly known, these elegant boxes were also used to store and transport shells for the traditional shell-matching game kai-awase during the Edo and Meiji periods. Period: Japan – 19th centuy (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period) Dimensions: Each measures 43 cm high and 38 cm in diameter. In good original condition considering their age, with wear consistent with time and use, including some losses to the metal fittings. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.

Estimation:€900

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