Japanese Damascene Cigarette Case by Komai Company

Description From our Japanese antiques collection, we are pleased to offer this exceptional Japanese Damascene Cigarette Case by the esteemed Komai Company of Kyoto. The case is beautifully formed with a rectangular shape and curved edges, decorated in the traditional nunome-zogan technique, where fine gold and silver wire is expertly hand inlaid onto a blackened steel ground. One side of the case features a superbly detailed landscape, depicting a rural Japanese village scene with traditional buildings nestled along a winding river. In the distance, Mount Fuji rises majestically above the horizon, framed by trees and foliage. The reverse is equally striking, adorned with an intricate patchwork of diamond-shaped panels, each containing its own miniature scene. These include depictions of birds in flight, koi fish swimming, a delicate spider’s web, flowering branches and various auspicious Japanese motifs, all rendered with remarkable precision and contrast in gold and silver. The interior remains plain black and features an elastic strap for holding cigarettes in place. It is signed in gold to one side with a nine-character mark reading 日本國京都住駒井製 (Made by Komai, Kyoto, Japan), confirming the prestigious maker. The cigarette case dates to the late 19th century during the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912), a time of exceptional metalwork and export-led craftsmanship. The Komai Company became world-renowned for its damascene objects, often referred to simply as “Komai” which gained popularity in both Japan and the West. This is a highly collectible piece of Japanese metalwork from one of the most respected makers of the period. ABOUT THE MAKER Komai Company of Kyoto The Komai Company was one of the most renowned makers of Japanese damascene metalwork. Founded in Kyoto in 1841 by Komai Seibei, a skilled maker of sword fittings, the family workshop became famous for mastering the intricate technique of nunome zogan, a form of inlay using fine gold and silver wires. Originally applied to samurai sword fittings, this decorative method would later define their export metalwares during the Meiji period. As the Meiji Restoration in 1868 ushered in sweeping reforms, including the 1876 ban on wearing swords in public, the Komai family, like many other metalworkers, shifted their focus. Under Komai Otojiro, the founder’s third son, the company began producing finely decorated boxes, cigarette cases, vases and other objects for both domestic and international markets. Otojiro quickly gained recognition and success, building a brand that became synonymous with high quality damascene ware. By the early 1900s, Komai was exhibiting and winning prizes at prestigious world exhibitions. He eventually retired in 1906, though continued working until 1912. After his death in 1917, the business was taken over by his son Seibei Komai, also known as Otojiro II. During the 1920s and 30s, the company expanded, opening branches in Osaka and Tokyo and becoming an agent for Mikimoto Pearls. However, the rise of industrial manufacturing and the move toward mass production meant that the artistry of traditional Komai work began to decline. By the 1930s, their signature dragonfly mark was simplified, and pieces often bore the word “JAPAN” for export. Production of damascene objects ceased entirely in 1941, and the company shifted to selling pearl jewellery, a business that continued beyond the war. Though their original techniques have been lost to time, Komai’s legacy remains alive in the intricate detail and exceptional quality of their surviving works. For further information see our article on The Komai Company and our Makers and Retailers section on The Komai Company. ABOUT THE 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. ABOUT THE MANUFACTURE TEChnique Nunome Zogan The intricate decoration on this piece showcases the Nunome Zogan technique, a refined method of damascening where ultra-fine gold or silver foil is inlaid onto a base of iron or steel. Translating to “cloth weave overlay,” the process involves creating an almost textile-like ground through precise cross-hatched chisel marks, allowing the precious metals to be securely burnished into place. Developed in Japan in the 19th century, the technique evolved from earlier methods introduced from China and the West, and became synonymous with the masterworks of the Komai family. Once used to embellish samurai sword fittings, Nunome Zogan later defined many of the exquisite non-military metalworks produced for international export during the Meiji era. MEASUREMENTS 8.5cm High x 6.5cm Wide x 1cm Deep (3.35 x 2.5 x 0.4 Inches) CONDITION Good antique condition, wear consistent with age only. 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. 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