Description
Presented by Prime Minister Baron Katō Tomosaburō, 1923
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to present this historically important Japanese Lacquer Presentation Box dating to the Taishō period (1912–1926).
The rectangular box with rounded corners is richly decorated in gold lacquer with an elaborate design of blooming chrysanthemums, a flower deeply associated with the Japanese Imperial family. Silver mounts protect the edges of the lid and the interior is finished in Nashiji lacquer.
Inside the lid, Japanese calligraphy reads: 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 translating as: “Presented to Captain Lawton, British Royal Air Force, by Minister of the Navy Baron Katō Tomosaburō, January, 12th year of Taishō (1923), by Kosugi.”
This presentation box is not only a fine work of Japanese lacquer art but also carries remarkable provenance. The dedication dates it precisely to 1923, coinciding with Katō Tomosaburō’s brief term as Prime Minister of Japan. As such, the box bridges a crucial moment between the Meiji and Shōwa periods, making it a highly significant collector’s piece.
For a further breakdown of the importance of this lacquer box please see our related article Important Japanese Lacquer Box Presented by Prime Minister Katō Tomosaburō in 1923.
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)
The Taishō period (1912–1926) marks a distinctive era in Japan between the Meiji and Shōwa periods. Defined by political liberalisation known as “Taishō Democracy,” this short but influential time saw cultural transformation, international engagement, and the blending of Japanese tradition with Western influence. In the arts, the Taishō years encouraged movements such as shin-hanga woodblock prints and innovations in lacquerware, cloisonné, and decorative metalwork, while design reflected modernist currents like Art Deco. Despite political instability, prosperity following World War I and the flourishing of mass media created a unique cultural identity. Collecting works from the Taishō period offers insight into Japan’s early modern creativity and its evolving place on the world stage.
For further information please see our article Japanese Taishō Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Change.
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 (KIKU)
The chrysanthemum, known as kiku (菊) in Japan, is one of the country’s most important symbols. Introduced from China in the 5th century, it quickly became associated with longevity, renewal, and autumn. By the 12th century, Emperor Go-Toba adopted the chrysanthemum as the crest of the Imperial family, where it remains today as the Imperial Seal of Japan, also called the Chrysanthemum Throne. The flower appears widely in art, poetry, festivals, and design, celebrated for both its seasonal beauty and its links to the virtues of loyalty, resilience, and honour.
For further information see our article Chrysanthemums in Japanese Culture: The Imperial Flower of Autumn.
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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