Three Spotted Dogs Trinket Box, Japan, circa 1950s

A small blue and white box, its lid holding three spotted terrier pups instead of a handle, the kind of thing that lived on somebody's dressing table for decades, holding rings or buttons or nothing at all. Hand-painted, hairline crazing from age, marked simply "Made in Japan" on the base, which is honest about what it is: mid-century export ware, made well, made to be used, not built for anyone's attention but the person who owned it.

Good condition, no chips or repairs. Approx. 3.5" x 4" x 4".