Antique JAPANESE Figural Black LACQUER Round TEA Box with Lid Pair

Set of 2 Japanese antique tea caddies made of papier-mâché, likely from the 19th century. Each tea box features intricate lacquer paintings, mostly in gold and red, each depicting scenes with figures in traditional Japanese attire. One caddy shows a figure, possibly a samurai, wielding a sword, while the other depicts two figures in what appears to be a conversation or a scene from daily life. The caddies are cylindrical with slightly domed lids, and the dark background of the lacquerware contrasts with the gold and other colors used in the artwork. Tea caddies like these were used to store tea leaves, protecting them from light, moisture, and odors to maintain their freshness. Each measures approximately 3" x 2 1/2" tall. Overall, both are in very good condition. One of them has a dent at the lid, one has a slight hairline at rim, both have light loss of paint.   10762-1201