#4101 Hand-painted black lacquered apple-shaped trinket box with floral and butterfly motifs. 6.5” X 5”

Good condition generally with an area of paint loss underneath. Lacquerware, a decorative art form involving the application of lacquered coatings, has a rich history spanning centuries and cultures, particularly in East Asia. Techniques vary, but often involve multiple layers of lacquer applied to wood, creating a durable, glossy finish that can be further embellished with painting, carving, or inlay. These objects range from functional items like boxes and bowls to purely decorative pieces.

This particular piece, shaped like an apple and decorated with hand-painted butterflies and flowers, is characteristic of decorative trinket boxes produced in the mid-20th century. Such items were often made from paper mache or wood and were popular as souvenirs or decorative home accents, reflecting a blend of folk art and commercial production.