Japanese silver kodansu box signed Miyamoto Shoko of Tokyo Meiji period

Japanese silver kodansu box (小箪笥) featuring a hinged door and three black lacquer drawers, delicately decorated in katakiribori engraving with bamboo, chrysanthemums, roses, and sparrows resting on blossoming cherry branches. The piece is signed Miyamoto (宮本) with the mark Ginsei (銀製 silver), Meiji period (1868-1912).

The Bamboo (take ⽵⽵) is the national tree of Japan and is very precious to its people.Together with the pine and plum known as the Three Friends of Winter (Saikan no sanyu), are a very auspicious symbol and a popular decorative motif. Artists have portrayed the bamboo innumerable times in their art and is a symbol of resilience and strength.The association with the crane symbolises longevity, rectitude, and fidelity.With the flying sparrows among its branches, is emblematic of friendship.

The Chrysanthemum (kiku 菊) is the Emperor’s flower symbolic of purity, happiness and virtue, as the sixteen petalled variety forms the Imperial crest of Japan. It is custom at the Festival of Kiku to place chrysanthemum petals in wine cups thus insuring long life and happiness.

The Miyamoto Shoko Company of Tokyo, founded in 1890 by Masaru Miyamoto, quickly became renowned for producing silverware of exceptional quality. In 1899, the firm was appointed Purveyor to the Imperial Household, supplying numerous fine works, and it continues to serve the Imperial Family of Japan to this day.

All our pieces come with a BADA Certificate of Provenance (The British Antiques Dealer's Association) and are inclusive of free U.K. shipping & insurance. Please inquiry for International shipping.