A BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER HOKAI (FOOD CONTAINER)Japan, 19th centuryOf circular form with ribbed sides, supported on four tall spreading feet, of roiro lacquer decorated in gold hiramaki-e with two stylized butterflies, the gilt-metal fittings neatly chased and incised, of lobed form with foliate designs against a ring-punched ground, and lozenge form incised with stylized flowerheads. The interior of the cover with an old inscribed label.HEIGHT 43 cm, DIAMETER 36.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few small nicks, light surface scratches, few tiny flakes and chips to edges. Auction comparison: Compare a related pair of lacquer hokai, dated 19th century, 40.5 cm high, at Christie’s, The Collection of Pierre Durand, 27 January 2022, New York, lot 46 (sold for 5,000 USD).