Antique Japanese Meiji Silver Bonbonniere | Russo-Japanese War Commemorative Box c.1906

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Russo-Japanese War Commemorative Bonbonnière – c.1906

A particularly interesting miniature Japanese hinged presentation box dating from the late Meiji period, extensively decorated with architectural and landscape scenes.

The exterior decoration includes traditional Japanese buildings, bridges, trees, fencing and landscape motifs, framed by geometric borders. The decoration continues around the sides of the box, giving the small piece an unusually detailed appearance.

Russo-Japanese War Commemoration:

The underside bears a worn Japanese commemorative inscription consistent with known Meiji-period bonbonnières produced to commemorate the Japanese Army's triumphant return following the Russo-Japanese War.

The inscription corresponds with:

三十七八年戦役　陸軍凱旋記念

This may be translated as:

“Meiji 37–38 War Campaign – Army Triumphal Return Commemoration”

Meiji years 37 and 38 correspond to 1904 and 1905, the years of the Russo-Japanese War. A formal Army Triumphal Review commemorating the returning forces was held in Japan on 30 April 1906, making circa 1906 the most likely period for this commemorative piece.

Bonbonnière Tradition:

Despite its very small size, this was not intended to function as a conventional jewellery or trinket box. Japanese bonbonnières were miniature presentation containers traditionally used for sweets or confectionery and were produced to commemorate significant ceremonial, military and personal occasions.

The exterior has developed a dark silvery patina which gives strong contrast to the raised decoration. The interior has a warm gilt or gold-washed appearance.

A worn Japanese metal-content mark is also present to the underside. It appears consistent with silver marking found on comparable Japanese pieces of the period; however, the metal has not been independently tested and no specific silver fineness is guaranteed.

Condition:

Antique condition with substantial age-related wear throughout. There is surface scratching, rubbing, tarnishing, patination and general discolouration, particularly to the underside.

The commemorative inscription and metal-content mark are worn but remain visible. The gilt-coloured interior shows spotting, surface marks and areas of wear.

Please inspect all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

c.1906, late Meiji period.

Dimensions & Item Details: 

Type: Japanese bonbonnière / miniature presentation sweet box Period: Meiji period Date: c.1906 Country of Origin: Japan Historical Association: Russo-Japanese War, 1904–1905 Commemorative Theme: Japanese Army triumphal return Construction: Hinged rectangular box Interior: Gilt / gold-washed appearance Decoration: Architectural, landscape and geometric motifs Exterior Finish: Dark naturally patinated silvery tone Dimensions: 45mm x 35mm Weight: 80g

An unusual surviving piece of late-Meiji Japanese commemorative metalwork with a direct historical connection to the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War.