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Lacquer Letterbox (Fubako)

Crafted in 1937, this stationery box with Pegasus (Tenma kūo yuku o-bunko) is a collaborative work by Kyoto-based lacquer artists Hayashi Bunshū, Gyozan, Shosai, and Mikizo. The box was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Nippon Kako Seishi Company, a manufacturer of fine paper. While the exact number produced is unknown, at least eight have been found. The design depicts Pegasus flying over the globe, symbolizing an open-minded attitude for Japan and East Asia. The box utilizes various makie (lacquer) techniques, including takamakie for raised relief, togidashi makie for burnished silver clouds, nashiji for a golden haze, and aokin hiramakie for the ocean. Pegasus is made of cast silver with a gold eye, and the box's exterior is polished black lacquer with silver-sheathed rims. The interior features polished black lacquer with two silver and one gold star. Upon opening the box, the viewer is presented with a view of the Milky Way, complementing the Pegasus imagery on the lid.