An exquisite silver cigarette case of rectangular form with softly rounded corners, executed in the finest traditions of Japanese decorative arts of the early twentieth century. The body is adorned with finely modelled relief decoration enriched with polychrome enamels depicting blooming peonies, a songbird, butterflies, and flowering branches.
The obverse presents an elaborate composition centred around a large fully blossomed peony, accompanied by a second flower below and a small bird perched among flowering branches. The reverse is decorated with a more restrained arrangement featuring a blooming peony and two butterflies in flight. The enamel work is rendered in a delicate palette of lilac, white, green, yellow, and blue tones, enhancing the sculptural quality of the relief and lending the composition a painterly elegance. The meticulous treatment of petals, buds, and foliage demonstrates a remarkable level of craftsmanship.
In Japanese artistic tradition, the peony is regarded as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, honour, and elevated social status. Birds and butterflies are associated with harmony, joy, longevity, and happiness. Together, these motifs create an auspicious composition characteristic of Japanese decorative arts of the Meiji and Taishō periods.
The interior is finely polished and retains its original silk retaining straps. The exceptional quality of the chasing, relief modelling, and enamel decoration places this work among the characteristic examples of Japanese artistic silver from the early twentieth century.
Marks: Character mark «純銀» (Jun Gin) meaning “pure silver”; engraved artist’s signature «光一» (Kōichi / Koichi).
Dimensions: Length: 8.5 cm; Width: 6.5 cm; Height: 1.5 cm.
Weight: 95 g.
Condition: Good. Minor traces of age and use consistent with the period. The enamel decoration is well preserved. Light surface scratches and a natural patina of age are present.
Provenance: Private European collection.
The early twentieth century represents one of the most significant periods in the development of Japanese artistic silver. Following the international acclaim achieved by Japanese decorative arts at the great world exhibitions of the late nineteenth century, Japanese silversmiths continued to refine traditional metalworking techniques while responding to the growing demand for luxury objects both domestically and abroad. Cigarette cases, card cases, boxes, and other personal accessories became particularly sought-after, combining practical function with exceptional artistic refinement.
Among the most enduring themes in Japanese decorative arts were floral and avian compositions derived from the long-established tradition of kachō-e (“flowers and birds”). Such imagery embodied the harmony between humanity and nature and conveyed layers of auspicious symbolism. The peony occupied a privileged position within this visual language and was often celebrated as the “King of Flowers,” symbolising wealth, honour, prosperity, and worldly success. Butterflies traditionally represented longevity, beauty, happiness, and transformation, while birds conveyed harmony, good fortune, and the blessings of a prosperous life.
The mark «純銀» was widely employed by Japanese silversmiths to denote high-grade silver and is encountered on numerous works produced during the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa periods. Signed examples are especially valued by collectors, reflecting the importance of individual craftsmanship and artistic identity within Japanese metalwork traditions. Objects such as this cigarette case exemplify the harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics, masterful silverwork, and refined enamel decoration that distinguished Japanese luxury arts during the early twentieth century. Today they remain highly desirable among collectors of Japanese decorative arts and export silver.
Good collector’s condition. Minor surface wear, light patina, and small scratches consistent with age and careful use. The enamel decoration remains well preserved, with no significant losses or evidence of restoration.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
