Rare Art Deco Japanese Lacquer and Chrome Decorative Box by Dunhill & Namiki

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Rare Art Deco Japanese Lacquer and Chrome Decorative Box by Dunhill & Namiki

About the Item

Superb Art Deco Japanese lacquer and chromed metal decorative box designed by Namiki for Alfred Dunhill, circa 1930s. Geometric shape with chrome sides. Main body in made of black lacquer on the outside and red lacquer on the inside with removable divider. Lid is beautifully decorated with typical Namiki Maki-e design of bird and cherry blossom. Marked underside: Alfred Dunhill - made in Japan. This outstanding and extremely rare piece was probably a nibs storage box. Very good vintage condition. The discovery of the art of lacquer decoration dates back to around 9,000 years ago. Japanese craftsmen found that the sap of the Rhus tree formed a hard and durable material that could be used like paint when wet, but became highly resistant to wear, water and light when dry. Mixed with pigments, vibrant fade-resistant colors could be made, and the colorless resin could also be used as an agent to bond gold and silver powder to an item, adding an extra special level of decoration. Ryosuke Namiki (1880-1954) founded the Namiki Manufacturing Co in 1918, producing pens and writing equipments. Popular in Japan but unable to sell his creation abroad, Namiki decided to showcase his finely decorated and expensive products around the world in 1925, attracting prestigious retailers such as Asprey and Cartier and, in 1927, Dunhill. Clement Court, manager of Dunhill’s Paris shop was so taken with the pens that he decided to market them under the joint names of "Dunhill Namiki". In 1930, Dunhill became Namiki’s official distributor, consolidating Namiki’s position as a leading writing instrument manufacturer. Measurements: 7.32 in wide (18.5 cm) x 3.75 in deep (9.5 cm) x 2.38 in high (6 cm).

Creator:
Alfred Dunhill (Retailer),Namiki Manufacturing Co (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)Width: 7.29 in (18.5 cm)Depth: 3.75 in (9.5 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Chrome,Lacquer,Wood
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1930s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Two miss of lacquer on lid. Minor scratches and micro miss on lacquer throughout. Metal fading on finial.
Seller Location:
Atlanta, GA
Reference Number:
Seller: R1701stDibs: LU163227717933