Featured Japanese Meiji Lacquered Fubako Box Painted with Butterflies

I don't see much difference between yours and the $60,000 one.

 

lol I’m flattered. Maybe the price is calculated based on number of butterflies on it?

 

Also I just noticed how this photo is a perfect demonstration of why gold Maki-e looks best when viewed in darker environment … it is made to glow

 

Surely the next step is to find out what makes the one that sold for 60 grand worth 60 grand and see if yours has the same qualities.

 

Hmmm… and the MET attributes this to 18th century…

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/58291

 

Alas they are not about to de-accession it.

 

finally found the right cord…donated by another box

 

It fits perfectly and looks the part. Congratulations!

 

How lucky to find a green one! Slightly faded, like the colour of matcha

 

So it is!

 

Now I want ice cream or mochi ... both are made with matcha here. That box is a tasty treat.

 

I want a matcha ice cream too it’s been more than one year since my last one

 

It's either that or mango sticky rice, but I can find the ice cream easier.

 

The green turban shell has an operculum that was used in jewellery. I do not know if the nacre ever was.

I do not know what the hand in the picture is holding, but it is not a single piece of polished turban shell. They may be great, but they do not grow anywhere near that large.

 

I googled its name in Chinese-夜光贝- again and Wikipedia says the latin name of that species is Turbo marmoratus. In this instagram post, they called it great green turban shell. It’s a dish in Japan too. Not sure if they are exclusively found in east Asia?

 

Oh and actually I just won another absolutely amazing Fubako and it’s on the way… also a piece full of mystery!I believe the seller has better camera than I do so I can share it now but…let’s just wait until it arrives safely…

 

ooooooh. Not sure about eating the turban shell, raw shellfish is a big HECK NO medically, but the lacquer would go home with me too.

 

you can took the empty shell too!

 

Don't tempt me!

 

A question easily answered:

Turbo marmoratus is commonly known as the Green Turban snail. It has a wide native range from South and East Africa, east to Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and Fiji.