Description
Presented by the 21st President of Japan
From our Japanese collection, we are absolutely delighted to bring to market this Important Japanese Lacquer Presentation Box. The Presentation Box of rectangular form with rounded corners is made from lacquer with a beautifully decorated exterior displaying an extensive base of blooming chrysanthemum flowers upon a gold ground. The lid of the box lifts off and is mounted to the top and bottom in silver to protect the lacquer. The interior of the presentation box is covered in Nashiji lacquer with Japanese calligraphy in the lid reading 贈呈 ロートン英國空軍大尉貴下 海軍大臣男爵加藤友三郎 , 大正十二年一月, 古杳 – Presented as a gift to Captain Lawton (British) Royal Air Force by Minister of the Navy Baron Kato Tomosaburo, January of the 12th year of Taisho (Jan 1923) by Kosugi. With the important provenance inside the box dates to the 12th year of Tashio which is just after the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and before the Showa period (1926-1989) and coincidentally fits within the years term of Kato Tomosaburo as acting Prime Minister of Japan.
Kato Tomosaburo (1861–1923)
Marshal-Admiral Viscount Kato Tomosaburo was a Japanese admiral and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 1922 to 1923. A highly respected naval officer, he played a key role in modernising Japan’s navy and was instrumental in Japan’s participation in the Washington Naval Conference (1921–1922), which sought to limit naval armaments among major world powers. As Prime Minister, Kato prioritised financial and military reforms, advocating for reduced defence spending to stabilise Japan’s economy. His leadership, though brief, was marked by a commitment to diplomacy and pragmatism. However, his tenure was cut short when he passed away in 1923 due to illness. Despite his short time in office, Kato left a lasting impact on Japan’s naval policies and international relations.
Kato Tomosaburo was Posthumously awarded Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum on the 24 August 1923. The grand cordon is the highest possible honour a Japanese citizen can be awarded during his or her lifetime. Aside from members of the Imperial Family, 53 Japanese citizens have been decorated with the grand cordon; of these, only 23 were living at the time of receipt. The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (大勲位菊花章, Dai-kun’i kikka-shō) was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan and the Collar of the Order was added on 4 January 1888. This indicates the high importance of Kato Tomosaburo and the legacy he left behind in Japanese politics and culture.
Taisho period (1912–1926)
was a fascinating time in Japan—often seen as a bridge between the highly controlled Meiji era and the more militarised Showa era. It was a period of political change, cultural shifts, and growing international engagement. Unlike the previous emperor, Meiji, who was a strong and active ruler, Emperor Taisho had poor health, which meant that power shifted more toward parliamentary government and democracy. This led to what’s sometimes called “Taisho Democracy,” where political parties gained more influence, and Japan experimented with a more liberal, modern society.
Culturally, Japan was opening up to Western influences in fashion, art, and even everyday life. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka were bustling with jazz music, new technologies, and modern infrastructure. You could see men in suits and bowler hats alongside women in kimono experimenting with Western-style clothing. On the global stage, Japan was gaining recognition as a major power. It fought on the side of the Allies in World War I, which helped expand its influence in China and the Pacific. However, economic struggles and political instability were also brewing, setting the stage for the more turbulent Showa era that followed.
Nashiji lacquer (梨地)
is a traditional Japanese finishing technique used in lacquerware, characterised by a subtle, shimmering surface that resembles the texture of pear skin. This effect is achieved by sprinkling fine gold or silver powder onto a layer of wet urushi lacquer before sealing it with additional transparent or semi-transparent lacquer layers. Once polished, the surface takes on a soft, speckled appearance with a delicate metallic sheen. Popular during the Edo period (1603–1868) and beyond, Nashiji was commonly used in luxury objects such as inro, writing boxes, tea caddies, and furniture, adding an understated yet refined sophistication. This technique remains highly valued in Japanese craftsmanship for its beauty and durability.
Chrysanthemum
is the national flower of Japan it represents the sun and the light (immortality) in Japan. It is also used as the Imperial Seal of Japan or National Seal of Japan called the Chrysanthemum Seal (菊紋 kikumon). It is the mon used by the Emperor of Japan and members of the Imperial Family. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), no one was permitted to use the Imperial Seal except the Emperor of Japan, who used a 16-petalled chrysanthemum with sixteen tips of another row of petals showing behind the first row.
MEASUREMENTS
6.5cm High x 14.5cm Wide x 11.5cm Deep (2.56 x 5.7 x 4.53 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent, minor wear consistent with age only
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