Sawasa Ware tobacco box - Sawasa alloy - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Very rare oval tobacco tin from Sawasa ware. The gilded tobacco box with a hinged lid is decorated with stylized leaf motifs and flowers. This decoration is on the lid, the sides, and the bottom. This specimen differs from the known examples such as those in the Rijksmuseum and the Pipe Museum Amsterdam. This one is round and completely gilded and has two holes so that it can be used as a Tonkotsu (Japanese hard tobacco box). Made in Japan for the Dutch market in the late 17th/early 18th century. Dimensions: 79 x 78 x 30 mm. Weight: 73.78 grams. Material: Sawasa alloy. The tobacco box has been used but is nevertheless in good condition, with small damage and wear. The lid closes but deviates slightly.

Estimate:£1,172.62

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