Cigarette Case Box Metal Damascene Gold Silver Japan Komai Mount Fuji 19th Century

Japanese cigarette case in damascened metal (gold and silver inlays) in Nunome Zogan, signed Komai*, representing a wooded landscape with Mount Fuji, from the Meiji period (1868-1912) late 19th-early 20th centuries. This case is in good general condition. It is slightly domed in shape. Signed Komai on the back + monogram stamp (Ade W?) Please note: some slight traces of oxidation on the metal, micro-scratches and wear of time, see photos. * Komai: The Komai family is perhaps one of the best-known metallurgists of the Meiji era. The family workshop, S. Komai Shoten, was founded in 1841 at 70 Shinmonzen Street, in Kyoto, by Komai Seibei, a sword fittings manufacturer. In 1853, Seibei created a form of damascene work, Nunome Zogan (which involves inlaying thin sheets of gold or silver onto a rough surface) that he used to adorn and decorate swords, pistols, daggers, and various types of sword fittings. From then until 1941, the workshop was advertised as "S. Komai, the originator of Zogan or damascene work. Dimensions Dimensions 9 cm x 5 cm / thickness 1 cm Reference: G10 223 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com