Antique Japanese Imperial Pure Silver Bonbonnière By Mitsukoshi

A splendid antique Japanese Imperial presentation bonbonnière in pure silver, made for Mitsukoshi during the early 20th century.

Founded in 1673, Mitsukoshi is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious luxury houses. During the Meiji, Taishō and early Shōwa periods, it commissioned and retailed exceptional silver, lacquer, cloisonné and other luxury objects. Mitsukoshi was also an important commissioning house for silver presentation pieces associated with the Japanese Imperial Household.

A Mitsukoshi Imperial silver bonbonnière connected with the 1915 enthronement celebrations of Emperor Taishō sold for €2,080, while another Mitsukoshi presentation box from the collection of Freddie Mercury sold for £4,826, demonstrating the considerable interest in these rare Imperial presentation pieces.

The shaped rectangular cover is delicately engraved with flowering plum branches beside a circular moon. The restrained and elegant decoration is characteristic of the finest Japanese silverwork. Plum blossom is an auspicious symbol of perseverance, renewal and the arrival of spring.

The box has a closely fitting cover and two finely made handles in the form of chrysanthemum mons, each fitted with a small suspension ring. These would originally have allowed the box to be secured with a silk cord.

The underside bears two marks:

純銀 — Jun-gin, meaning “pure silver” or “solid silver.”

三越 — Mitsukoshi.

This box formed part of a collection of three Japanese Imperial presentation bonbonnières formerly belonging to a French diplomat. The cylindrical example has now been sold; this box and the Miyamoto example are the two remaining.

I have not cleaned this little treasure. That pleasure will go to its lucky purchaser.

Length: 6 cm.
Width: 4.5 cm.
Height: 2.1 cm.

Good condition.

SOLD WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

It is possible to pay in installments.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call me 0678679716 or email
tdixonfrance@yahoo.co.uk.

Frais de port inclus pour la France. Shipping included in the price for FRANCE. Price does not include international shipping. Please contact me for a shipping quote. I am happy to combine shipping costs if you buy more than one item to save you money.

Please note that I ship all items insured priority mail with tracking.

I am an Englishman living down in the beautiful rural South of France and spend my days searching the little brocantes, flea markets, and shops for treasures.

If you are forming a collection, I will be happy to advise you.

We speak English and French. Nous parlons anglais et français.

Any questions will be answered promptly.

MONEY BACK WITHOUT QUESTION IF I MISREPRESENT SOMETHING IN ANY WAY.

I want YOU to be happy at the end of the day, so buy with confidence.

I take a great deal of care packing – I have a proven track record of selling high value, fragile items that arrive safely worldwide.

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