Antique Half-Moon Shaped Lacquered Box, c. 1890

Type

Woodenware

Age

1850-1899

Original Or Reproduction

Antique original

This Edo Period lacquered box is crafted in the form of a traditional Japanese half-moon motif, showcasing a semi-circular design that is often found in Japanese art and culture. Known as a "hanmaru" (半丸), or half-circle, this shape symbolizes harmony, balance, and completeness. The design is deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and is frequently inspired by natural or cultural elements such as the rising sun, the moon, or the hand fan (sensu). These motifs symbolize good fortune and prosperity, as its rising or outward expansion represents growth, completion, and abundance. The box features a black textured exterior, offering a stark yet elegant contrast to the vivid vermilion lacquered interior—a hallmark of traditional Japanese lacquerware. This interplay of colors highlights the craftsmanship and the cultural value placed on harmony between simplicity and sophistication. The semi-circular form, evoking movement and fluidity, also reflects the Japanese appreciation for natural beauty and wabi-sabi (侘寂)—finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection. Often used as a decorative piece or for storing small items, this box embodies the duality of function and artistry central to Japanese design.