Japanese Turned and Carved Hard Wood Antique Bento Box 弁当 Late 19thC

Turned and carved antique hardwood Japanese Bento (弁当) box lunch box with an internal lidded spice holder. This very attractive and decorative late 19th century to early 20th century round wooden box has carved lid features flowers and stems with an inlaid cork background. We think that it dates from the Meiji ( 明治 ) period 1868 to 1912.

The box is very good antique condition with a nice patina. It is very slightly elliptical in form from across the grain shrinkage.  There is a small crack to the lid which as been glued at the top above the flowers. There are some very minor losses to the cork infill. 

The box stands 4 3/4" high and 6" diameter Weighs 587g unpacked.

A great 19th century piece, a very decorative and collectable antique item.