Japanese Silver and Gold Imperial Bonbonniere by Mitsukoshi, Showa Era, 1935

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About the Item

A small and delightful Japanese silver bonbonniere with an applied gold Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal, marked "jungin" and "Mitsukoshi", Showa Era, 1935, Japan. This bonbonniere is recorded as having been commissioned for the Coming-of-age ceremony of Prince Takahiko (Prince Mikasa) under the Showa Emperor in 1935. The small silver bonbonniere box and cover in the form of a tebako, a traditional box for personal items. The box designed in the ancient "mokko" shape, with rounded and indented corners, giving it a slight quatrefoil shape, symbolizing a stylized quince blossom, and thought to promote health and vitality. The cover engraved with a scene of pine trees, stylized clouds, and an elegant Shinto torii gate. A gold sixteen petal chrysanthemum has been applied to the cover. The sixteen petal chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family. It is referred to as the Imperial Seal of Japan or the Chrysanthemum Seal. The sides of the box with half quatrefoil cutouts to the top, in order to accommodate the small ring handles with further sixteen petal chrysanthemums functioning as the mounts. The ring handles would originally have been fitted with a silk cord (now missing) to secure the box. The underside of the box marked with "jungin" for pure silver (95%+ purity) and "Mitsukoshi". Mitsukoshi is a high end department store in Japan founded in 1905. They had strong relationship with the Imperial Family, supplying them with gifts and sundries. Known as bonbonnieres, these small boxes, usually of silver, were used from the Meiji Period onwards as presentation boxes containing small gifts and keepsakes for visiting dignitaries and important guests. The Imperial Seal indicates this was a gift presented by the Emperor or Imperial Family. Weight: 68.5 grams / 2.2 troy ounces.

Creator:
Mitsukoshi Ltd. (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 0.63 in (1.61 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Depth: 2.25 in (5.72 cm)
Style:
Showa (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Gold,Silver,Sterling Silver,Cast,Engraved
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1935
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor surface scratches. Some remaining tarnish. Missing the silk cord.
Seller Location:
Austin, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU894733926282

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