容器 - 带托盘及原盒的古董烟盒——渡边千冬子爵的来历

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【Product details】

This elegant Japanese lacquer tobacco box with tray was produced in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, around the early 20th century, circa 1900–1920.

The tobacco box is decorated on a rich gold ground with a poetic landscape scene. Under a full moon, a traveller carrying a shoulder pole crosses a bridge, while pine trees and distant mountains complete the composition. The design is rendered with fine raised maki-e work, giving depth and texture to the landscape. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique in which gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create intricate designs. The interior is finished in a deep nashiji ground, a lacquer technique using fine gold or silver flecks to create a pear skin-like texture with subtle depth and brilliance.

This work was made by Ota Brothers Company in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, with Ota Kikutaro named as the chief of production. An original period leaflet from Ota Brothers Company is included with the item.

The set also carries notable provenance. The inscription on the underside of the original wooden box states that it was received from Viscount Watanabe Chifuyu, Doctor of Law. Watanabe Chifuyu (1876–1940) was a prominent Japanese statesman, jurist, and businessman of the Taisho and Showa periods, and later served as Minister of Justice. The inscription reads: “Received from Viscount Doctor of Law Watanabe Chifuyu.”

This inscription helps to narrow the date of presentation. Watanabe Chifuyu inherited the title of Viscount in 1913 and received the degree of Doctor of Law in 1919. As the box inscription refers to him as both Viscount and Doctor of Law, the item was most likely gifted in or after 1919. The included leaflet was printed by Meiji Printing Co., Ltd., a printing company active from the late Meiji to Taisho period, supporting the dating of the tobacco box itself to the late Meiji to early Taisho period.

With its refined Kanazawa lacquer craftsmanship, original tray, original wooden box, period leaflet, and distinguished provenance, this piece has strong historical and collector appeal.

The item is in fair to good antique condition. Due to age and use, there are some blemishes, wear, minor lacquer cracks, and areas of lacquer loss. There is one small dent on the lid, and some areas show rubbing where the black lacquer beneath has become visible. The original wooden box has age-related staining, cracks, and a few small insect holes. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions of Tray: approx. H 1.8 cm W 17.5 cm D 14.5 cm
Dimensions of Tabaco Box: approx. H 5.5 cm W 13.5 cm D 10.5 cm

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・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!