Description
This Japanese silver and enamel cigarette case is decorated with floral enamel work on a hammered ground and dates to the Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1905.
The exterior is worked in hammered silver with applied foliage, enriched with polychrome enamel flowers including iris and chrysanthemum across both sides. The decoration is set against a textured ground, giving contrast between the surface and enamel detail.
The case opens via a push button thumb tab to one side, revealing a silver lined interior fitted with spring brackets for holding cigarettes.
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View the full Antique Cigarette Case Collection.
View the full Antique Silver Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
8.5cm High x 6.5cm Wide x 1.5cm Deep ( 3.35 x 2.55 x 0.6 inches)
CONDITION
Very Good antique condition, inner catch repair.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 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.
What is a CIGARETTE CASE?
Cigarette cases were developed in the 19th century as protective containers for carrying cigarettes, preventing damage and exposure to moisture. Their use became widespread in Europe and Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as cigarette smoking increased.
Examples were typically made in silver, gold, enamel or mixed metals, with hinged lids and fitted interiors incorporating spring straps to secure the contents. Many were produced by established silversmiths and workshops, with decoration ranging from plain surfaces to engraved, repoussé or enamelled designs.
Cigarette cases were regularly carried and often personalised, with some examples bearing monograms, inscriptions or presentation details. Today, they are also commonly used to hold business cards or small personal items.
For further information see our Article.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com.
With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee.
We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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