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Dec 14, 2024
This finely crafted silver Japanese bonbonnière depicts a crane standing gracefully, positioned on a naturalistic base alongside two turtles. The base features engraved Japanese characters translated "Meiji, 27th year, third month, 9th day" - March 9, 1894.
This crane and turtle box was designed and produced to be given to guests at the imperial banquet for the twenty-fifth "silver" wedding anniversary of the Meiji Emperor and Empress in 1894. The box is decorated with a crane and two turtles, historic motifs that convey messages of auspiciousness and longevity across East Asia.
In addition to this example, there are two other known examples in private collections. All other examples of this bonbonnière are in the collection of the Japanese Imperial Household. Kojiro Tomita (1890-1976), Isabella Stewart Gardner's friend and a curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, gave this box to Isabella Gardner sometime around the year 1909. Ms. Gardner displayed it in the Little Salon along with other objects commemorating her friendships. See also Isabella Gardner Museum website.
Dimensions:
Overall good condition with some tarnish and wear commensurate with age. There are two visible repairs to the cranes upper legs and one small repair on the right foot / leg joint. The engraved characters remain sharp and legible, contributing to the historical value of the piece.
The cost of shipment will be Buyer's full responsibility. In-house packaging and shipping is available for many items. All quotes are based upon the size and weight of the package as indicated by the carrier and all will include insurance as well as signature confirmation in most cases and will be handled through USPS or FedEx. International shipments will be made through USPS, FedEx, or DHL. Shipments will be insured and declared for the full purchase value (hammer plus premium). International buyers are solely responsible for any duties, taxes, clearance fees or any other fees imposed by their country for the import of their goods. Buyers, both domestic and international are welcome to employ their own packaging and shipping company at their sole discretion and understand that Associated Estate bears no responsibility for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers engaged by the buyer whether or not such shipper was listed by the Company.
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