Vintage Japanese Wooden Miniature Set Birdcage Tea Utensils Maki-e Box WO667-2
Description
This is a charming set of vintage Japanese wooden miniatures, featuring traditional household furnishings and utensils.
The set includes a finely made miniature birdcage, a low writing table with drawer, a small multi-drawer chest or sewing box, and a miniature arrangement of traditional vessels and tea-related utensils beneath a simple wooden canopy. Each piece has been carefully crafted on a very small scale, giving the group a warm and nostalgic character reminiscent of traditional Japanese miniature arts and folk crafts.
The miniature birdcage is especially attractive, with numerous delicate wooden bars and a traditional architectural form. The small chest has several functional drawers, while the miniature table also has a working drawer. The group of vessels includes several tiny turned wooden containers, bowls, and a kettle-like form.
A black lacquered storage box decorated in gold with bamboo and birds is also included. This lacquer box is a later storage box and is not believed to be the original fitted box for the miniature set.
Approximate sizes:
- Birdcage: 7.3 × 5.5 × 7.5 cm / 2.87 × 2.17 × 2.95 in
- Small chest / sewing box: 7.5 × 4.5 × 6 cm / 2.95 × 1.77 × 2.36 in
- Low table: 12 × 5 × 4 cm / 4.72 × 1.97 × 1.57 in
Condition:
The set shows age-related wear and signs of use. The miniature tea-utensil arrangement has old repairs and some damaged or weakened areas, as shown in the photographs. The birdcage also has some bent, missing, or damaged slender bars. There are small chips, scratches, dust, discoloration, and other signs of age throughout.
The lacquered storage box has wear and scratches, including an area of lacquer loss on the underside. The interior lining also shows staining and age-related discoloration.
Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.
A wonderfully atmospheric group of Japanese miniatures, appealing as a collection of traditional folk craft, miniature furniture, or Japanese decorative art.
