A WOOD BOX AND COVER AND A SIGNED LETTER OPENER Bamboo and other wood; bronze...

A WOOD BOX AND COVER AND A SIGNED LETTER OPENER
Bamboo and other wood; bronze, copper, silver, gilding
Japan, 19th century; 19th century to Meiji period (1868-1912)

The box features a cover extending to the foot ring. The cover shows temple grounds carved in relief with a torii in the foreground and a pagoda on a hill in the background. The handle of the letter opener is densely decorated with a wave pattern as well as several birds in copper and silver and the full moon surrounded by clouds. The blade is gilded throughout and shows an engraved depiction of grasses, rocks and flowers. One end of the handle shows the signature SHOMIN zo 正 民 造 (the name could also be read as Seimin).

Dimensions: HEIGHT BOX 5.3 CM, DIAMETER BOX 7.7 CM, LENGTH LETTER OPENER 29 CM
Condition: The box and cover are in very good condition. The letter opener is in good condition
Provenance: Austrian private collection