Two Meiji Period Japanese Papier Mache Boxes

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There are TWO BOXES being offered together, both date to the latter part of the Meiji period - 19th century circa 1880. Both boxes are papier mache and finely decorated chinoiserie black lacquer. One is a very unusual shape, having a sloped front lower edge/step, (this is a box with purpose - such as for stamps. We have been unable to source any original shape reference so don't take our Stamp box purpose as more than an educated guess on our part).

Both boxes have hinged well fitting lids and are decorated on the lids only. The decoration is traditional Japanese Court scenes, one interior and one boating on a lake. The decoration being gold with bone faces and black detailing. The bodies are simple black lacquered papier mache.

The boxes are small, the oblong one probably being a trinket box of sorts. Sizes: The "Stamp" box is 4 cm high and 9 cm wide and excluding the sloped step 7 cm deep (add 2 cm for the step). The oblong Trinket box is 5 cm high 12.5 cm wide and 7.5 cm deep. (combined weight unpacked 225 gms)

Condition: The "Stamp" is in very good condition for its age and delicate material , the hinge is good and the surfaces only show age related wear. The Oblong box is in good order, it is has slight losses to the detail of the faces , the surface has the expected age wear, the hinge is in sound order although this is despite an internal vertical surface crack (see photo) to the rear wall.