LARGE EARLY 20TH CENTURY ORIENTAL LACQUERED MELON-FORM BOX -CURRENTLY RESERVED-

Possibly Japanese, early 20th Century, decorative lacquered lidded box of naturalistic melon form. 

Painted with trailing vines, gourds and butterflies in gilt and polychrome decoration against a rich reddish-brown ground, the interior finished in black lacquer. The sculptural form and flowing decoration reflect the influence of Japanese export art and early 20th Century Art Nouveau taste. An unusual and highly decorative piece with excellent scale. Beautifully decorative with excellent scale, retaining a warm surface patina and displaying well from all angles.