19th Century Japanese Lacquer Incense Box (Kogo). This small box would have held incense for a tea ceremony. The central image of a rooster and a hen are created in raised lacquer. Surrounding gold flecks are delicately placed on a black ground with a dusting of sprinkled gold on the interior.

3.5 × 2.75 x .75 inches.

In Japan, the appearance of a rooster and hen symbolizes a special relationship between humans as well as the divine. They can also represent good fortune in the New Year and the balance of day and night. Separately, the rooster represents courage, hope and the ability to drive away evil with the hen displaying prosperity and nurturing.