On eBay Now...
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Mixed Metal Hexagonal Snuff / Pill Box with Koi
A beautiful small hinged box from Japan's Meiji period (1868-1912), made in the mixed-metal style that was popular with export collectors in the late 1800s.
Details
• Hexagonal hinged box with a fitted lid
• Brass body with raised copper and gilt-toned metal inlay
• Lid shows two carp (koi) swimming in a stream, with fine engraved water lines and ripples
• The side panels carry more raised metal scenes
• Applied vase-shaped cartouche mark with kanji on the sides, consistent with the Ota Tameshiro workshop
• Clean interior with natural aging
• Measures approx. 2x2x1 inches
• Weight: 1.25 oz
About the maker's mark
The vase/urn-shaped mark with two kanji characters is the workshop mark attributed to Ota Tameshiro, a decorative metalwork studio active in the Meiji era. Mixed-metal boxes like this were made for the export market and are still sought after by collectors of Japanese metalwork, snuff and pill boxes, and Asian antique condition with honest age and patina. The hinge works and the lid closes. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.
Ships carefully packed. Please message me with any questions.
