Vintage 1970s Black Lacquer Box Japanese Mother Of Pearl Inlay Sakura Figural

Japanese souvenir lacquerware in this style is harder to find in intact condition than it looks.

A small black lacquered box with a mother-of-pearl inlay scene on the lid: a court figure in traditional robes riding a cart, surrounded by scattered sakura blossoms in white, red, and gold. The inlay pieces are flush to the lacquer surface and all intact. Interior is plain blue padded.

The style and materials — gloss black lacquer over a plastic form with shell inlay — place this firmly in the Japanese export tradition, most active from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Sits well on a dressing table, a bedside shelf, or a small display surface. The scale is compact enough for a desk vignette. The black ground makes the inlay pop in any light — it reads especially well next to pale or natural materials. Holds rings, earrings, a folded note, or small keepsakes.

Details

• Type: Decorative box
• Era: 1970s–1980s (Japanese export)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Lacquered plastic, mother-of-pearl inlay
• Interior: Blue padded
• Size: 11 × 7 × 3 cm
• Marked: No visible marks
• Style: Figural, Japanese lacquerware

Condition

Excellent · All inlay pieces intact, lacquer surface unmarked, lid fits cleanly, interior padding undamaged.