An outstanding silver and enamel Japanese Meiji box by Sanju Saku

For sale is this outstanding Japanese Meiji period silver and enamel box.  The lid of the box is designed as a montage of applied silver flowers with enamel highlights in subtle blues, purples and yellows.  With splashes of more intense green foliage and orange stamens.  A single butterfly can be found on close inspection!   The four sides of the box are similarly decorated with enamelled trailing wisteria and swallows.  The base is solid silver.

The base carries the triangular turtle mark of the renowned Japanese maker Sanju Saku, one of Japan’s leading silversmiths, based in Yokahama, making and retailing silver with enamels to this style c 1880-1920.  Affirming the exceptional quality of this piece, the box also carries the name of the leading Scottish retail jeweller and luxury goods store Edward & Sons.

The box is in overall excellent original condition.  These are tiny, not noticeable enamel losses mainly to one or two green leaves.  The silver is similarly in excellent condition with just one small bruise to the front left corner of the box.

The interior of the box is cedar wood and could readily be lined (I can arrange on request) to create a perfect jewellery box.

Price: Sold

Maker: Sanju Saku

Designer: Sanju Saku

Date: Meiji c 1900

Marks: Turtle mark, Edward & Sons, Glasgow

Material: Sterling Silver, enamel

Condition: Excellent – see description

Size: 17cm long, 8cm wide, 6cm high

Weight: 22.5 oz, 639 grams