Research
Of lacquered wood, abalone shell and metal mounts. The rectangular box with removable body resting on a shallow tray; inner serving trays not present. the whole applied with a mosaic of crushed abalone shell with red lacquer reserves to the top and four sides. One side bearing a black circular crane motif crest, another side and the bottom bearing painted inscriptions in Japanese.

Marks:
Inscribed in Japanese, partially translated:
Made in Maizuru, Japan
Confectionary shop
Kanpo II (for the year 1782)

This unusual box was created for the express purpose of carrying and displaying sweet delicacies, and represents the height of confectionery presentation in Imperial Japan. The painted inscriptions on the side and bottom indicate that it was made in the town of Maizuru, in the north of the Kyoto prefecture, in the second year of Kanpo (which equates to 1742) during the Edo period in Japan.

Full research report available.