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Vintage 1950s Japanese Black Lacquer Musical Jewelry Box – Painted Mirror, Working
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage mid-century Japanese musical jewelry box, dating to the post-occupation period (circa 1953–1965). This authentic souvenir piece features a sleek black lacquer finish adorned with stunning hand-painted traditional Japanese landscapes, including Mount Fuji, pagodas, and a classic arched bridge. The back panel features two elegant mother-of-pearl (abalone) sailboat inlays.
When opened, the box reveals a rare and stunning reverse-painted mirror depicting a traditional Geisha walking across a red bridge beneath cherry blossoms.
This item is in excellent vintage condition and operates beautifully. Please see the included video to hear the musical mechanism play smoothly and continuously.
Product Features & Condition Details:
• Mechanical Condition: Fully operational wind-up music mechanism. It plays beautifully with no catching or dragging.
• Interior & Mirror: Features a rare hand-painted landscape on the interior lid mirror. The original salmon/coral velvet lining is clean and fully intact.
• Exterior Art: The top and front hand-painted lacquer scenes are vibrant, crisp, and display beautifully.
• Hardware: Features a distinctive vintage heart-shaped lock plate on the front (key is not included).
• Markings: Authentically stamped "JAPAN" on the bottom corner, verifying its mid-century origin.
• Cosmetic Wear: The box is in excellent shape for its age. The only notable blemish is minor lacquer chipping along the very bottom edge of the back panel (clearly documented in the photos). This does not impact the display value from the front or top.
Please review all photos carefully to evaluate the condition. This is a gorgeous, fully functional piece of mid-century decor, perfect for collectors or vintage jewelry storage!