Japanese Mixed Metal Box, Meiji Period

This box has much to recommend it:
it is beautifully modeled in iron and raised on gilt bracket feet.
The cover is decorated in gold and silver with an extensive seascape, with trees and a Sampan in the foreground, more distant vessels in the distance and with towering Mount Fuji, its upper slopes sprinkled with snow in the background. It is lined with silver- gilt and bright-cut with bamboo and birds.
The abolition of sword -wearing put many skilled metal workers out of work and they would make such boxes as a means of continuing their craft tradition. It is signed and the mark is photographed.

Width 2.75"

Depth 2"

Height 1.25"

D3252