Small Kagamibuta Mixed Metals And Glass Paste. Japan Meiji Period

Small Kagamibuta (button that acts as a netsuké in traditional Japanese clothing). However the size of this one is unusually too small. To my knowledge, there is no Kagamibuta of this size (32mm) usually the diameter of these exceeds 50mm. This is not the only particularity of this jewel, indeed the presence of glass paste is absolutely exceptional, there too, I do not know of any other netsuké, manju or kagamibuta created in this material. The very high quality of the metal plate allows us to think of a special request from a demanding sponsor who would have wanted an exceptional original object. The plate is chiseled and inlaid with a character blowing soap bubbles (it is probably a toy vendor) it is in shibuichi (silver, copper and gold alloy) of a beautiful deep gray.The inlays are in sentoku (copper alloy) for the cord, in gold for the collar, in light yellow gold for the straw and in white gold for the headband of the hat. The cup, which is always in wood or ivory, is here in turquoise blue glass paste. It should be noted that it was cut with a grindstone. There are 24 slices which probably has a japanese meaning that escapes us. No apparent signature but we did not attempt to disassemble. At the back a silver retaining ring, also of the best quality. Good condition. Diameter: 32mm Height 20mm