A finely executed Japanese silver rectangular box of elegant proportions, the body worked in brushed silver with engraved bamboo decoration flowing continuously around all four sides. The bamboo is rendered in delicate line engraving (kebori), creating a refined surface rhythm and subtle depth against the softly finished ground.
The lid is composed in mixed metals, combining shibuichi and shakudō within a silver frame. The ground presents a beautifully even, warm patina with nuanced tonal variation. The relief decoration depicts two finely modelled birds perched upon a branch beneath flowering blossoms and bamboo foliage.
The birds are executed in high relief, combining shakudō and shibuichi alloys to create gentle chromatic contrast. Feather detailing is meticulously chased, with exceptional articulation of plumage and naturalistic modelling. The eyes are finely inlaid, enhancing the lifelike expression. The blossoms above suggest sakura (cherry blossom), delicately worked with subtle highlights, while the surrounding foliage and ground textures are finely engraved.
The lower corner of the lid bears the signature Hirotoshi, executed in kanji.The underside is struck with the mark jun-gin (純銀), indicating pure silver.
The interior is finished in lacquer with a dense nashiji-style speckled ground, producing a warm, luminous effect.
Dimensions:
Height: 4.7 cm
Width: 10 cm
Length: 13.5 cm
Condition is excellent.
The silver body retains its original surface with light, even wear consistent with age.
The mixed-metal lid maintains a stable and attractive patina.
The lacquer interior is clean and intact.
Overall: absolute and excellent condition.
Historical Note
An engraved presentation plaque attached to the box records that it was presented in June 1957 to Mr. Henry E. Summerer by the employees of the Metal Manufacturing Department of Victor Talking Machine Co. of Japan Ltd., Yokohama.
Victor Talking Machine Co. of Japan, later known as JVC (Japan Victor Company), was a major manufacturer of gramophones, phonographic equipment, radios and later electronic devices. The presentation suggests that this finely crafted earlier box was selected as a commemorative gift to a senior executive within the company.
