Rare rectangular "ko-dogu" four-storey box for incense, in black lacquer on a wooden core, decorated with gilded "maki-e" motifs and "takamakie" landscapes enhanced with red lacquer. Interior in "nashiji" gold-powdered lacquer, that of the lower level in gilt-bronze (probably added).

Very good condition.

Japan, Edo period (1600-1868), 1700-1750.

H. 7 x W. 5 x D. 4 cm.

A comparable four-storey incense box, Japan, early 18th century, is kept in the Metropolitan Museum, New York (inv. 12.134.28a–d) (ill. 1).