Japanese Sawasa ware gilt copper tobacco box
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
first half 18th century
This Japanese Sawasa ware tobacco box is crafted from gilt copper and features a distinct shaped rectangular form. Measuring 12.9cm in length, the piece is a fine example of the specialized metalwork technique known as Sawasa, which typically involved the application of gilding over a copper or copper-alloy base, often imitating lacquer work or intricate decorative carvings.
The central panel of the cover is embellished with a detailed scene depicting a pavilion nestled amid a natural setting of flowers, trees, and birds. This central motif is further enhanced by ornate floral borders that frame the cover. The sides of the box are similarly decorated with floral motifs, maintaining stylistic consistency across the piece. Although the object shows signs of age, including some wear to the gilding on the relief, corners, sides, and edges, as well as minor dents consistent with its 18th-century origin, it remains a notable example of Japanese export metalwork from the first half of the 1700s.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Shape
- shaped rectangular
- Length
- 12.9cm
- Material
- gilt copper
Design
- Borders
- floral
- Cover decoration
- pavilion amid flowers, trees and birds
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.