Japanese ivory(?) inlay box - what is it? + Help with Kanji

[gino22]

Saw this yesterday and had to have it. Craftsmanship is mind-blowing for such a small and seemingly practical item. I think it’s an eyeglass case or maybe a food service item? Anyone come across one of these before? What are they called?

Also, help deciphering the abundant Japanese is appreciated...

 

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[gino22]

 

[jason4kstate]

I consulted with my wife (Japanese speaker) she said the first pic says "Good Luck." The rest she could not read. She thinks this may be Chinese. Based off the etching on the first pic I would agree with her. My guess is that its a calligraphy box.

 

[Hawks88]

I like it. I would have thought glasses case also. Whatever it is it’s in real shape. Good eye. Congrats

 

[gino22]

Looking more closely, the lettering might be some kind of simplified Chinese. But, to me, the art looks Japanese... something about the line work and angularity of the figure, plus her style of dress... but could be Chinese as well. Getting a lot of opinions on this, will keep digging.

 

[SCpicker]

I’m just not seeing the mind blowing craftsmanship. The scrimshaw looks low quality and looks like bone instead of ivory. The wood has been machine routed inside and that is a sign that it is a modern piece. Search for “Chinese bone snuff box” and you will see some similar examples.

 

[diggummup]

I’m just not seeing the mind blowing craftsmanship. The scrimshaw looks low quality and looks like bone instead of ivory. The wood has been machine routed inside and that is a sign that it is a modern piece. Search for “Chinese bone snuff box” and you will see some similar examples.

I agree. Not ivory but bone. Made in the last 50 years or so. I do think they are for sunglasses though. Chinese ones.
Vintage Chinese Glasses Case w/ Folding Sunglasses

 

[gino22]

I agree. Not ivory but bone. Made in the last 50 years or so. I do think they are for sunglasses though. Chinese ones.
Vintage Chinese Glasses Case w/ Folding Sunglasses

Those are the EXACT glasses I imagined fitting in there... thanks for the link.

And allow me to refine my statement about “mind-blowing quality”... let’s say “mind blowing quality for something found in a $2 junk pile.” Also, I think mine has the number of inlays and engraving quality on other examples available online beat... not a masterpiece by any stretch, but very pleased with the sales prices I’m seeing. Thanks for all your help everyone! Case closed.