Mother of Pearl Snack Box w 9 Trays

From a private collection, this extraordinary mother of pearl box is a splendid creation, meticulously hand-crafted to depict a serene scene of riverside life. In the foreground, a family enjoys leisure time in front of two large houses with hay-stacked roofs, intricate window slats, columns and tiled floors, all surrounded by vertical fences and backed by a lush forest of bamboo. To the left, a poet returns home as he rows his boat towards the bank. Behind him, a grand waterfront pavilion stands before a mountainous island, all under a sky filled with clouds and birds. Every inch of the octagonal tray's surface is adorned with intricate patterns, skillfully capturing the essence of nature, architecture, and figures. The finest mother of pearl was carefully chosen for its colors and lusters before being cut, shaped, and meticulously fitted onto the mahogany-lacquered wooden cover with extremely fine details. The solid-wood box houses nine individual custom-fit trays, traditionally used for holding snacks and sweets, making an elegant presentation when entertaining guests. The resplendent scene on the box is a true testament to the highest artistry and craftsmanship, while the smartly designed trays makes it a functional work of art. In excellent, never-used condition.