MEIJI 1890 Japanese Monkey-Shaped Vesta Matches Case In Gilt Gold Brass
An antique Japanese vesta box with a seated monkey.
This is an amazing and very rare vesta matches box, created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period, back in 1890-1900. The antique vesta box has been crafted in solid bronze, with remains of gilt finish in the shape of a seated monkey holding a fruit. Designed with a very unusual motif, the craftsmanship and condition is exceptional, with little trace of wear. Very sharp and crisp with beautiful aged patina. Fitted with a concealed tree-barrels hinge, a snap closure system and striated lines for rasp the matches.
Vesta Boxes
Vesta cases are small portable boxes made to contain matches and keep them dry. They take their name from the Roman goddess of fire and the hearth, although in the United States they are more prosaically know as match safes. The first successful friction match appeared in 1826, and in 1832 William Newton patented the "wax vesta" in England. It consisted of a wax stem with embedded cotton threads and a tip of phosphorus. Antique Vesta Cases were made popular in Victorian times where they were worn on a chatelaine belt or men's fob to contain wax matches. They're usually solid sterling silver, and on the rare occasion, solid gold. Quite often engraved with the owner's initials.
The Meiji Imperial Period
This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.
Country: Tokyo school, Imperial Japan.
Period: Meiji Period, circa 1890-1900.
Motif: Seated monkey holding a fruit.
Materials: Engraved and polished bronze, remains of gilt.
Weight: 52.40 Grams, (33.60 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 64 mm by L. 38 mm by D. 17 mm (2.52 x 1.50 x 0.67 Inches).
Hallmarks: Unmarked.
Collateral: This Japanese Monkey Vesta matches box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this Japanese Monkey Vesta matches box is excellent. Besides the little normal wear there is no damage to the brass and all parts are secured in the settings. This vesta was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D041026RENH/.4439
