Description From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this decorative Japanese mixed metals box featuring a standing peacock by Fujii Yoshitoyo. The box is of rectangular form, crafted from brass with a matte black patinated ground and richly decorated etching with fine gold detailing. The lid presents a peacock standing beside a stream, its long tail feathers trailing gracefully beneath the overhanging canopy of a blossoming tree. The surrounding landscape is naturalistic, filled with gentle movement and depth. Each side of the box is decorated with natural scenes, including birds in flight, butterflies, iris flowers and flowing water, with exceptional attention to detail in the arrangement and composition. The underside of the box bears the Mount Fuji mark of the The Fujii Damascene Co. and the signature of the company founder Fujii Yoshitoyo 藤井美豊, as well as the original collection inventory number 392 from which the box was directly acquired. The interior of the box has been fitted with a wooden liner to the inner lid and a brass lining. Likely used originally for cigars and later for more personal items to be kept safe. Dating to the late Meiji period (1868 to 1912), the box represents a highly accomplished example of mixed metalwork from the era and a refined expression of nature in Japanese decorative art. Provenance Directly purchased from a life long collection of a lady within the U.K. ABOUT THE MAKER FUJII YOSHITOYO Yoshitoyo was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1868, a fourth generation metal worker of first rank. He devoted himself to learning about the damascene art and developing the already known techniques used by his family. He left home and moved to Tokyo to develop further and at the age of 35 in 1902 he obtained a patent for his new techniques from the imperial government. In 1909 a second patent was granted to him, he continued to develop his skills and was awarded multiple first class medals throughout his exhibitions and was fortunate enough to sell directly to the imperial household. At its highest point the Fujii factory employer over 200 people mainly exporting sought after objects to Europe and America. During this time he also had his works represented by the Mitsukoshi company. Unlike Komai who use the Zogan (inlay) technique Fujii uses mostly an etching technique on his works. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Fujii Yoshitoyo. ABOUT THE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art. For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation. MEASUREMENTS 4.5cm High x 12cm Wide x 9cm Deep (1.77 x 4.7 x 3.54 Inches) CONDITION Good antique condition, small blemishing to top right hand corner of the box see our up close photos for more details. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.
