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A Japanese export lacquer box with depiction of the Grand Hotel, Yokohama

$12,602.48
£9,395.71
€10,625
CA$17,307.61
A$19,370.64
CHF 10,114.50
MX$236,322.91
NOK 128,390.25
SEK 121,834.45
DKK 80,929.33
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About the Item

Meiji period, circa 1873-1887 The black lacquered box decorated in maki-e and hiramaki-e gold, with on the lid a European style building complex and several Japanese and European figures walking along a street in the foreground. The sides are finely decorated with several insects and the inside with several compartments and nashiji decoration. H. 7.4 x W. 29 x D. 25.7 cm After the Americans forced Japan to open their harbours to the outside world and take part in international treaty and trade around the mid 19th century, the formerly feudal society rapidly changed. Japan was now focussing on an industrial future. One of the major international ports was Yokohama with its foreign embassies and warehouses - which attracted a great number of visitors of all sorts. For the higher society visiting Japan for the first time a new and ‘Western’ hotel had to be realised; hence the construction of The Grand Hotel on Kaigandori. The hotel was opened on August 16, 1873 (Meiji 6) and was soon considered the height of Western culture and elegance in Japan. The building probably depicted on this box, designed by American architect Richard P. Bridgens (リチャード・ブリジェンス, 1819 -1891), is the original hotel. In 1887 (Meiji 20), a new building was opened next-door. It is not yet visible here, dating this image to before 1887. High-society and diplomats visiting town would stay in the hotel and it’s well possible this box was given to or ordered as an expensive souvenir by one of them.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.92 in (7.4 cm)Width: 11.42 in (29 cm)Depth: 10.12 in (25.7 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Gold,Wood,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Meiji period, circa 1873-1887
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Amsterdam, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5458237909472

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