The unknown artist of this exotic work has employed an unusually wide range of lacquer techniques – both traditional and innovative – to achieve the design of a parakeet perching within a camelia bush. It is a showpiece of the artist’s skills. Across the central panel, a bold depiction of the bush’s leaves, six flowerheads of mother-of-pearl petals with gold makie centres form the setting for the rich detail of the parakeet. As is common in designs of this period the central panel is raised, and surrounded by a frame with vibrant corners of gold kirigane flakes within which small silver oval frames contain green and red iridescence, possibly suggesting scarab beetles in reference to the Egyptian style popular at the time.

Around the sides of the box runs a continuous band repeating the details of the camelia bush. Within the box, on the lid and base, a bold black grid containing panels of dark nashiji enlivened by specks of raden gives the appearance of viewing a starry night sky through panes of glass. Even the underside of the box has an innovative sunburst nashiji finish.

While the initial visual impact of this work immediately delights, the invention and subtlety of its technical skills repay detailed reflection. The artist has achieved a piece of international modernity through a mastery of the lacquer craftsman’s skills.