Of rounded rectangular form, finely worked in silver wire depicting a sinuous dragon with carefully articulated scales, claws and whiskers, reserved against a rich apple-red metallic ground. The composition is balanced and animated, the dragon coiling dynamically across the lid within a narrow silver rim.
The sides are plain, allowing the vivid enamelwork of the lid to command full attention. The interior retains its original silk brocade lining, framed by silver mounts, a detail typical of refined kōgō made for the incense ceremony rather than export display.
The quality of the wire work, the confident drawing of the dragon, and the unusual metallic red ground place this piece within the aesthetic language associated with the Kyoto masters of the late 19th century.
Size: L 6 cm × W 5 cm × H 3 cm
Condition: Very good for period, with minor age wear to the silver rims and light wear to the silk lining, commensurate with age.
