An amazing antique Asian handmade carved wood three-dimensional creatures design box.. Cylindrical in form and entirely handmade carved from one piece of solid wood! The three dimensional animals are part of the solid wood box, not applied afterwards, and this is so incredibly difficult to accomplish! At top is a turtle or tortoise with his head just peeking out of the shell. In Asian cultures, turtles are often associated with good luck, longevity and wisdom, and are featured in folktales, the arts, and traditional practices. Below the tortoise is a ring of carved decoration, then there is an assortment of three-dimensional animals around the circumference of the box in two groups of three on each the top and bottom sections of the box. The top has a lizard or gecko with two other four legged creatures that could be cats or foxes, hard for me to say for sure. In Asian cultures, the lizard or gecko is associated with good luck, prosperity, and home protection. On the bottom section is another of the odd unidentifiable (by me) creatures, another lizard, and a frog. Asian cultures often associate frogs with good luck, prosperity, and safe return either of prosperous conditions, or safe return from travel. All of these creatures are unbelievably well carved, and have survived the century or so of their existence without any damage! The box measures 6" tall by 3" diameter. Unmarked. Hard for me to say for sure, I'd guess Japanese, but could be from southeastern Asia or even Australasia/Indonesia. Could be a betel nut box. In any case, this is a treasure! There are some light-colored spots on the bottom that look like they are some kind of earthquake putty or something of the sort used for security when displayed. They could be removed but I've left everything as I found it. Excellent antique condition.

An antique Asian box covered with three dimensional creatures including a turtle at top, lizards, frogs, and something that looks like a cross between a demon and a cat!

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www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

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