A Japanese lacquer box and knife set: The rectangular, locking box (without key) shows three golden hued birds grouped together on a thin branch with red and gold leaf clusters above and below on the surface of the hinged lid. The interior is covered with a uniform pearlescent golden brown lacquer. W: 10 7/8" (27.7cm) The knife is shaped like a miniature curved samurai sword, with painted ornamentation on the otherwise plain wooden scabbard & hilt, stamped "Japan" near the base of the blade. (Likely intended as a letter opener.) L: 8 1/8" (20.7cm) Condition: in good condition with spots of sediment - possibly rust on the blade. Spots of flaking lacquer are evident on the edges of the box with few minor dings. Missing the key to the lock.