Nagakobako Fuji ni Matsu is...

• This is a lacquered long box depicting Mt. Fuji and pine in the traditional chinkin technique.

This long box depicts Mt. Fuji, the auspicious symbol of Japan whose form widens toward the base, together with the evergreen pine, a sign of longevity, using the traditional lacquer technique of "chinkin," in which shallow lines are carved into the lacquer and filled with gold. The slender pine needles and the soft gradations of mist are rendered in delicate lines and dots, with a simple composition that reveals a rich variety of expressions in gold and silver. The festive pairing of vermilion and gold makes it well suited to corporate and overseas gifts.
The inside is lined with felt, ideal for keeping jewelry, keepsakes, or small mementos. With its lid, it can also be left out like an interior piece in an entryway or other visible spot.