A handsome Japanese lacquer pen box, c.1920–40, decorated to the lid with a gilt maki-e landscape featuring Mt Fuji, pines and a boat picked out in shimmering raden (mother-of-pearl) inlay. The interior is glossy black lacquer; the exterior has a small key escutcheon to the front (no key).

A lovely piece of everyday Japanese craft that brings quiet drama to a desk and sits beautifully with Japandi and wabi-sabi schemes. Honest age and use throughout: scattered scuffs and small lacquer nicks to the edges, minor rubbing to gilt and some natural losses/wear to the shell inlay, all consistent with an authentic vintage box.

Measures 30 x 10 x 7 cm (approximately 11.8" x 3.9" x 2.8").