Large Antique Carved Wood Phoenix Ho-o Bird Box Japanese Meiji 19th 20th Century

A round Japanese Meiji period carved wooden box produced circa 1900.

The lid features highly detailed deep relief carving of a Hō-ō (phoenix) flying among clouds and detailed hibiscus flowers with dark-patinated background. The sides of the box are a lighter reddish-brown wood with carved geometric patterns near the rim and organic motifs below. The base has a polished, concave interior and a turned underside.

It is reminiscent in appearance to cinnabar lacquer pieces but is carved from a single piece of hardwood.

Displays well but with a repair to the rim of the lid.

Diameter: 22.5 cm - Height: 7.5 cm