Vintage Japanese Komai Style Cigarette Case Gold Inlay Oriental Scene Black Metal

Description

A very attractive vintage Japanese-style cigarette case, decorated in the traditional Komai / damascene style with detailed gold-coloured decoration against a dark black background.

Both sides feature different Oriental scenes. One side depicts a traditionally dressed figure beside a stone well surrounded by trees and landscape decoration. The reverse shows another figure in an exotic landscape with a pyramid-like structure, palm trees and a prominent cross/star-shaped motif above.

The contrasting black and gold finish gives the case a particularly striking appearance.

The case opens on a central hinge and retains its dark interior panels. Please note that the original internal cigarette retaining straps or fittings appear to be missing, with their attachment points still visible.

Condition

Vintage used condition with age-related wear, scratches, rubbing and areas of loss/fading to the decorative finish.

There is visible wear around the edges and interior. Internal cigarette retaining straps are missing.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

History

Komai-style metalwork is associated with highly decorative Japanese metal objects produced particularly from the late 19th into the early 20th century. Traditional examples combined darkened iron or steel surfaces with extremely fine gold and silver decoration.

During the Meiji period and afterwards, Japanese decorative metalwork became especially popular with Western visitors and collectors. Workshops produced cigarette cases, boxes, jewellery, buckles and other small luxury objects featuring landscapes, temples, birds, flowers and traditional Japanese figures.

This example follows that decorative tradition, although no maker’s mark is visible in the supplied photographs, so it is being described as Komai-style rather than attributed to the Komai workshop itself.

An attractive collectible piece suitable for collectors of vintage cigarette cases, Japanese decorative arts and Oriental metalware.

Combined Postage

I am happy to combine postage for multiple purchases whenever possible. Please contact me if purchasing more than one item. Any excess postage paid can be refunded where appropriate.