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Japanese Match-safe with Repousse Birds browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Metalwork: Pre 1920: item # 607239 Please refer to our stock # 6B-338 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $325 |
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This wonderful brass Japanese match-safe in unusual form was made in repousse with designs of birds beneath a full moon and clouds. Meiji/Taisho period. Both sides feature a kestral or falcon (“taka”) sitting on the thick branch of a tree with leaves and berries, possibly a grapevine. Above the kestral hangs a huge full moon emerging from small, whispy clouds. Two smaller birds appear in flight near the moon. The details on this piece are superb and beautifully rendered, and it has a great patina. Because it was used to carry wooden stick matches, the case’s bottom has a grooved strike-a-light. The art nouveau era produced wonders in match-safes as countries around the world strove to supply the smoker with every conceivable figural conception. Japan, always quick to follow the West in copying and improving on new ideas, produced match-safes in wonderful forms. Mostly made of brass, Japanese cases were made in Eastern designs with unlimited artistic themes, all done in miniature detail with the most pleasing renditions and the highest quality craftsmanship. Match-safes were made to give the owner both visual and tactile pleasure as they fit comfortably into the hand. Cases were appealing to both men and women and were easily carried in the kimono sleeve. (See “The Oriental Match-Safe” by Earle J. Stone in ARTS OF ASIA September/October 1986.) CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: 2 ˝” (6.4 cm) high, 1 ˝” (3.8 cm) wide. |
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