Black and Red Lacquered Wooden Asian Box with Abalone Shells

By Notme2020, 24 July, 2025
Description

Black and Red Asian Art Wooden box with Abalone Seashell art cohered to the exterior of the box. 

Weight: 1.80lbs

Dimensions: L: 11 3/4" W: 7" Depth: 3 3/4

Exterior: a lacquered black color on all sides of the box with red lacquered trimming and various abalone seashells. 

Interior: Red with black trimming.

Origins: Most likely Japanese, could be Chinese. 

Category
Asian Art
Medium
The item is made of wood that were lacquered and painted with black and red paint. Abalone shells have been cohered to all sides of the model but the interior, the back and the base of the product.

The Abalone shells seem to have been carved to complete each sketch of either Asian housing, ducks in a river flowing left, trees under a rising or setting sun next to a mountain situated atop the original cover.

Birds that are either phoenix or peacock in nature, next to some Asian Calligraphy and a star symbol is tacked to the front end of the container, however both sides - left and right - has only a star symbol that were also created out of abalone seashells. The back of the container is all but black as is the base of the container.

The interior of the box is painted a vibrant yet blank red color with notable black trimming surrounding its measurements. The depth of the box is at some 3 3/4" so that you are able to store other goods inside, the length of the container seems long enough to also store some books - just not all books.

However, evaluating the item with extreme scrutiny I would assume the item to be vintage not antique.
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
L: 11 3/4" W: 7" D: 3 3/4"
Date Period
Unknown
Weight
1.80 lbs
History
It was acquired at a local thrift store in southern California.
For Sale?
No
Photos

Notme2020

1 day 12 hours ago

The item is in good condition, the abalone shells still have a strong rainbow effect, and the black and red coloring has a very elegant appeal to it. The Asian Characters are also abalone etches in which I believe is either the origins of Japan or Hong Kong.

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Notme2020

1 day 12 hours ago

Great for storing precious things. 

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NaidaTheCollector

1 day 6 hours ago

Description:

This is a handcrafted vintage Asian wooden lacquer box, likely originating from Japan or China. It features a traditional red and black lacquer finish with inlaid abalone shell artistry. The inlays depict a serene landscape—possibly a temple scene with ducks in water, mountains in the background, and stylized birds (likely phoenixes) flanking Chinese characters on the front. The intricate craftsmanship and mother-of-pearl (abalone shell) use are typical of mid-20th century export or giftware items popular throughout East Asia.

Details:

  • Dimensions: 11 3/4" L Ă— 7" W Ă— 3 3/4" D
  • Weight: 1.80 lbs
  • Medium: Lacquered wood with abalone shell inlay
  • Condition: Good – minor wear consistent with age; some surface scratches visible on lid
  • Interior: Red lacquer with black trim, unadorned
  • Estimated Date: Mid-20th century (1950s–1970s), likely vintage rather than antique
  • Origin: East Asia – probable Japanese or Chinese craftsmanship

Value Estimate (2025):

  • Retail/Collector Value: $75 – $150 USD
  • Auction Value: $50 – $100 USD
  • Insurance Value: $150 USD (replacement cost for similar hand-crafted vintage lacquerware)

Notes:

  • The abalone shell artistry and red lacquer are appealing to collectors of Asian decorative arts.
  • The presence of phoenix-like birds and Chinese characters for longevity or happiness (based on visual interpretation) adds symbolic cultural value.
  • Though not likely an antique (i.e., over 100 years old), this is a desirable mid-century handcrafted object.
  • No maker’s mark or provenance limits premium pricing.

Recommendations:

  • To establish more precise valuation or historical origin, a professional appraiser specializing in East Asian decorative arts could examine the box in person.
  • If resale is considered in the future, selling through specialty vintage shops, online marketplaces (e.g., Etsy or eBay), or Asian antiques dealers could yield best results.
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