Biwa-shaped kobako box in gold and silver hira maki-e lacquer.

In the center of the biwa, a bachimen (pick-guard) decorated with a temple in a pine landscape and fake resonance holes in the shape of crescent moons (hangetsu). Back and interior in nashi-ji lacquer.

The biwa is a three-stringed lute used to accompany storytelling. It is the instrument of Benten, the goddess of music, eloquence and poetry.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)

Height: 0.79 in / 2 cm – width: 3.15 in / 20 cm – depth: 7.87 in / 8 cm