An unusual lobed square lacquer food container and cover Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, early 20th century Simulating a basket with the exterior twill-weave patterns embellished in red and yellow lacquer, the inrobuta (flush-fitting lid) applied in black and gold takamaki-e with a beetle crawling over one corner, the interior of the lid and body decorated and underside decorated in gold hiramaki-e with stylised waves, unsigned; with a lacquered-wood storage box inscribed on the lid Natorigawa maki-e kanshitsu jikiro (Natorigawa maki-e food container using dry lacquer technique). 16.5cm x 17cm (6½in x 6 5/8in). (3).