Circular gold lacquer mirror box (kagamibako) with temaki-e and kirigane decoration on a nashi-ji background. The lid is decorated with two mon of cranes (tsuru no maru) and three floral fans. The interior is in nashi-ji lacquer and features a crane mon on the inner lid.

The crane (tsuru) is prized for its auspicious connotations, symbolizing a thousand lives. It also appeared as a decorative element during the Heian period (794-1185) and was often applied to the back of mirrors, as shown here. As family crest, the crane is popular among the warrior class. It is used, for example, by the Hino noble clan, as well as the Gamo and Mori warrior clans.

Japan – Edo period (1603-1868)

Hauteur : 1.2 in / 3 cm – diamètre : 5.1 in / 13 cm