10. A Golden Lacquer Box
Given to: Elizabeth II, the queen
Given by: Japanese Emperor Showa (Hirohito) Approximate value: $4–$5 million*
During her 1953 coronation, Queen Elizabeth was bestowed with exquisite and distinctive gifts from nations across the globe. Japan’s Emperor Showa sent the Queen a sophisticated, unusual golden box. Given that the present was given almost exactly one year after the Treaty of San Francisco normalised relations between the British and Japanese, its timing was significant.
©Fox Photos/Getty Images: A Golden Lacquer Box
The Imperial Household’s box was created by Shirayama Shosai, one of the most esteemed lacquerers of the Meiji and Taisho periods, making this post-war gift extremely important. Only seventy of Shoshai’s creations remain in existence today, and this rare and exquisite lacquered box has been tightly guarded by the Royal Collection Trust.
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