Meiji period antimony box with a gorgeous wicker basket on the cover with flowers in high relief. The bouquet of flowers include the imperial chrysanthemums, symbolic of longevity, happiness and vitality; cherry blossoms represent renewal- life, death and beauty; and irises symbolising hope, wisdom, trust and valour. There is a makers mark on the stippled background of the cover. The sides also feature the same flowers in relief. The box stands on 4 raised feet, and the hinge of the cover is detached from the body, but it still works perfectly as a beautiful trinket box. Most likely from the early 1900s, Japan.

~ Eina Ahluwalia

Approximate Dimensions - 3.5 inches in width, 3 inches in depth, 2.3 inches in height and approximately 444 grams.