Hand-painted Gold on Black Japanese Lacquer Box with Figure, Signed huge stoneware bowl 5 1/2" tall x x

5 1/2" tall x x  4 1/4" wide x 2 1/2" deep

I'm guessing it once held a barrel

It is signed on the bottom with what looks like "SJ" and is in great vintage condition

24 collotype plates

as is typically the case

Hand-painted Gold on Black Japanese Lacquer Box with Figure, Signed huge stoneware bowl 5 1/2" tall x xI love a good lacquer box, and really love the imagery on this one, with this serene looking cross legged figure, a monk I assume, holding up a brush in one hand and flag like page in the other, painted with what I'd assume is the kanji or signature of its maker. And then those great trees and islands in the background, with abstracted bird flying overhead. I assume this lacquered papier mache box is early 20th century Japanese. The interior is a deep