Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1880s
Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Metal, and Glass 

Bought by the Harris Family while in Japan in 1897, these boxes are in the form of a grotesque “Oni” (demon), whose face is hinged to form a lid. The glass eyes and painted lacquered surface are reminiscent of many souvenirs created in Japan for the tourist market. Though the artistry and form of the two pieces are typical to its place of origin, the intended use is purely geared for the European/Western market as the boxes were designed to hold “calling cards.”