Clever and Wonderful Japanese Deco Lacquer Box/Tray with Juggling Clown documentary photo with names carved into the

with names carved into the frame--here

Mid-late 19th century I believe

the Maurice A

and so have become increasingly selective about the ones that excite me--and this is one of those

4 1/2 t x 3 1/8 w x 4” d and in good shape

Clever and Wonderful Japanese Deco Lacquer Box/Tray with Juggling Clown documentary photo with names carved into theA total delight finding this one; what a marvelous clown! And what a wonderful representation of juggling six balls at once! Pretty clever too, as the segmentation of the ring circling the clown on the lid via the positioning of his arms and legs and balls echoes the division of the interior into three sections (and this seems perhaps made as a gaming tray to me, with bulb handle at center.) Lush gold and silver and red and ochre paint on black