FUJI YOSHITOYO 1880 Japan Komai Desk Box In Gold Inlaid Iron damascene 24Kt Gold
A gold damascene Komai desk box designed by Fujii Yoshitoyo.
This is a beautiful decorative presentation box created in the Imperial Japan during the Meiji period, back in 1880. The fabulous rare box has been meticulously crafted in a rectangular shape in rich gold damascene inlaid and solid blackened bronze. The interior is fully gilt and decorated with engravings showing a river with the mount Fiji at the back and some extra little scene of flowers with birds. The box is decorated on top with orientalist landscape of trees and a pair cranes, which are embellished with applications of rich gold. Fitted with a concealed seven-barrels hinge and a security stopper chain. This is a great decorative box, actually to be used for any purpose and with great eye appeal. The box is signed by the artist Fujii Yoshitoyo.
Fujii Yoshitoyo
He was also known as Biho, born in 1868. He was a celebrated Japanese metal artist based in Kyoto during the Meiji period (1868–1912). He is renowned for founding the Fujii Damascene Company, producing high-quality Komai-style iron and mixed-metal wares featuring intricate gold and silver inlay, often marking pieces with a Mt. Fuji symbol. Specialized in damascene (metal inlay), creating detailed scenes of nature, birds, flowers, temples, and phoenixes on boxes, cases, and trays. Pieces are often signed "Fujii Yoshitoyo" or "Yoshitoyo saku" and frequently feature a Mount Fuji mark. He worked with iron, sentoku a brass alloy, gold, and silver, often creating a black-patinated ground for the gold inlay to stand out. He was active in late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji period).
His items made by his workshop are considered fine examples of Meiji-era decorative arts and are held in collections, including the Khalili Collection. Pieces by Fujii Yoshitoyo, such as finely etched brass-alloy vessels, cigarette cases, and intricate boxes, are highly collectible on the antique market.
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: Imperial Japan,
Period: Meiji, 1900-1910.
Artist: Fujii Yoshitoyo.
Materials: Gilded bronze, blackened bronze, 24kt yellow gold inlaid.
Weight: 691.75 (0.69 Kg.)
Measurements: H. 44.5 mm by L. 136 mm by D. 95 mm (1.75 x 5.35 x 3.75 Inches).
Signature: Signed on the lid at the middle-left corner with the maker's mark associated to Fujii Yoshitoyo in gold and the artistry manufacturer mark.
Condition: The overall condition of this box by Fujii Yoshitoyo is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in their settings. This box was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D041026TNNM/.2934
