A Japanese Lacquer Jewelry Box in the Maki-e Tradition
This elegant Japanese lacquer jewelry box is a vintage piece by Minori Orgel, a mid-twentieth-century maker based in Tokyo. The deep oxblood lacquer ground is decorated in the maki-e style with a graceful phoenix perched on a flowering branch — its tail plumage rendered in delicate gold and silver lacquer, accented with small pink mother-of-pearl inlays catching the light along the feathers.
The form is gently curved with four small splayed feet, opening on hinges to reveal an interior lined in deep red velvet — divided into two compartments perfectly sized for rings, earrings, brooches, or pendants. The underside of the lid holds an original mirror, making this an ideal piece for a vanity, dressing table, or bedside.
Originally produced as a music jewelry box, the internal Sankyo movement is no longer functional. The wind key still turns but no melody plays. The piece is offered here for its primary function — as a beautifully crafted jewelry box — and remains complete with its original Minori Orgel paper label and Japan Music Box Association quality seal on the underside.
