Description: Ivory, lacquer, horn, coral and mother of pearl inlays
Japan, Meiji period (1868 – 1912) or later
The aide memoire or card case in the form of a multi-sectional case showing images of flowers and birds, kacho-e, on both sides. One side shows a gilt tancho tsuru, or red-crowned crane, a symbol of longevity, surrounded by blossoms. The other side shows a bird on a branch with blossoms, inlaid with horn, coral and mother-of-pearl. There are several very flat sheets between the two outer covers that open like a fan. The purse with metal hinge, ivory clasp and silk lining on the inside. The front is lacquered in gold with a leafy branch on which a beetle and a butterfly sit – inlaid in horn and mother of pearl. The rectangular matchbox with openable ivory clasp is elegantly inlaid in mother of pearl with fuyo blossoms (rose mallow) beneath a butterfly; the reverse similarily decorated. (3)
Shape: Various; see description
Dimensions: Card case 7,1 x 4,2 cm; Purse 5,2 x 4,2 cm; Matchbox 4,6 x 2, 7 cm
Condition: Good condition with very minor wear to lacquer on the card case
Provenance: English private collection