19th Century Japanese Elm and Calamander Parquetry Sarcophagus Work Box

A mid 19th century Japanese export elm and calamander parquetry workbox with a divided interior and lift out tray.

This charming box would work either as a jewellery or workbox, the interior comprises a lift out tray divided with eight small compartments, a long central compartment and two long lidded compartments with a large void underneath. The box itself is all over decorated with Japanese parquetry and geometric decoration. The interior and the feet have been ebonised. The escutcheon is a bone lozenge and and the piece has a key and working lock, the lock is English and would have been fitted post export. The box is in great condition and retains original patina with no losses to the parquetry decoration. The colour is consistent on all sides and there is no evident fading. The box measures 36cm wide, 25cm deep, 16cm high.