Japanese Silver and Shibuichi Box by Hiroteru

Description Meiji Period (1868-1912)  From our Japanese collection, we’re delighted to offer this beautifully made Japanese Silver and Shibuichi Box by Hiroteru 廣照, dating to the late Meiji period (circa early 20th century). This striking piece stands on scrollwork feet and is finished in solid Japanese silver, topped with a softly flared plinth lid. Set into the lid is a large mixed-metal plaque worked in shibuichi, with inlays of shakudo, gold, and silver, using both taka zogan (raised inlay) and hira zogan (flat inlay). The scene is full of careful detail. At the centre, a twisted pine tree (matsu) in shakudo and gold stands beside an arched silver and gold bridge, leading up to a Shinto shrine temple, with a silver-blossomed tree stretching across the roof. In the sky above, two cranes glide in front of a golden full moon. Behind them, bold mountain forms are lightly carved in katakiribori, adding depth and atmosphere. The plaque is signed Hiroteru 廣照, a skilled artist who worked with the well-regarded Tenshodo Company 天賞堂 in Tokyo. The inside of the box is finished in Nashiji lacquer, divided into useful compartments, including a small cushioned section and an adjustable partition. The base carries the Jungin 純銀 mark for pure silver. An exceedingly well-made piece from the late Meiji period, combining decorative quality with a practical form and a strong sense of Japanese tradition. Hiroteru 廣照 was a skilled Japanese metal artist known for creating intricate works for the renowned Tenshodo Company (天賞堂), located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district. Founded in 1879, Tenshodo earned a strong reputation for producing and retailing luxury goods, including fine metalwork, timepieces, and decorative art objects. The company collaborated with some of the most talented craftsmen of the Meiji and Taisho eras ensuring their products were of the highest quality. JUNGIN 純銀  meaning “pure silver” was used predominantly during the Meiji Period to identify the objects made from pure silver. shinto shrine a sacred space dedicated to the worship of kami-spirits or deities in the Shinto religion, which is Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition. Easily recognised by their iconic torii gates, these shrines serve as places of prayer, purification, and celebration of nature and ancestral spirits. From grand shrines like Ise Jingu to humble local sanctuaries, each one plays a vital role in connecting communities to Japan’s ancient beliefs, seasonal festivals, and cultural identity. Shinto shrines remain central to Japanese life, culture and art offering a peaceful retreat and spiritual grounding in both modern cities and rural landscapes. moon in Japanese culture, the moon holds deep symbolic meaning, often associated with beauty, impermanence, and the changing seasons. It features prominently in poetry, art, and traditional festivals like Tsukimi 月見, the autumn moon-viewing celebration. The full moon is admired not just for its light, but for the emotions it evokes, linked to the concept of mono no aware 物の哀れ, or the gentle sadness of life’s transience. Whether rising over temples or reflected in still water, the moon in Japanese tradition is a quiet symbol of reflection, spiritual harmony, and the passing of time. Pine trees in Japanese culture, the pine tree (matsu 松), symbolises longevity, resilience, and steadfastness. As an evergreen, it remains vibrant throughout the year, embodying endurance and eternal youth. Pine trees are integral to Shinto traditions, often planted at shrines to signify sacredness and to connect the physical world with the spiritual realm. In folklore, the revered Takasago pine represents marital harmony and enduring love, frequently featured in wedding ceremonies. Artistically, pine trees are central to motifs like the “Three Friends of Winter,” alongside bamboo and plum, symbolising perseverance and hope during adversity. Their presence in gardens, textiles, and seasonal festivals underscores their enduring role in Japanese aesthetics and cultural identity. Crane in Japanese culture, cranes (tsuru 鶴) are powerful symbols of longevity, peace, and good fortune. Often called the “birds of happiness,” cranes are believed to live for a thousand years and are closely associated with immortality and spiritual grace. They appear frequently in traditional art, kimono patterns, and wedding ceremonies, symbolising fidelity and a long, harmonious life. Cranes also feature in folklore and legends, such as the story of the folded thousand cranes (senbazuru), which grants a wish or healing. Nashiji lacquer 梨地 is a traditional Japanese lacquerware technique known for its soft, shimmering finish that resembles the skin of an Asian pear. Created by sprinkling fine gold or silver flakes between layers of clear lacquer, nashiji produces a subtle, speckled glow that adds an eye-catching depth to decorative objects. Often used on the interiors of boxes, writing sets, and luxury items during the Edo and Meiji periods, this refined technique highlights the beauty of Japanese urushi art. TAKA ZOGAN 高象嵌 translated literally as mound inlay, is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique that involves inlaying raised designs into a metal surface made of solid sheet metal, repousse-worked sheet, or cast metal forms. These forms can also be carved, engraved, or themselves inlaid. Unlike flat inlay, where the decoration sits flush, taka zogan builds the motif up in relief, giving it depth and texture. Artisans carefully carve out a recess, then hammer or press softer metals like gold, silver, or copper into place, often finishing with fine engraving. HIRA ZOGAN 平象嵌 the inlay of sheet metal flush with the base metal ZOGAN 象嵌 Japanese word for Metal Inlay SHAKUDO 赤銅 is a traditional Japanese alloy made primarily of copper with a small amount of gold, usually around 4–7%. What makes it special isn’t just the metal itself, but the way it’s treated. Through a patination process using a special solution called rokusho, the surface turns a deep, velvety black or dark blue-black. This rich colour was especially prized by swordsmiths and metalworkers for use on sword fittings, ornaments, and inlaid details. Shakudo was often paired with gold, silver, or other alloys in fine inlay work, creating a striking contrast that highlighted both texture and technique. SHIBUICHI 四分一 which literally means “one quarter” in Japanese, is a traditional metal alloy made from about 25% silver and 75% copper (though the ratio can vary depending on the desired colour). What sets shibuichi apart is its ability to develop a subtle, smoky grey patina through a special chemical treatment using rokusho, the same solution used for shakudo. The final tone can range from pale silvery grey to a soft blue-grey or even a mossy green, depending on the alloy mix and the artisan’s technique. Shibuichi was commonly used in samurai sword fittings and decorative inlays, valued for its understated elegance and ability to harmonise beautifully with gold, shakudo, and other materials. 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. MEASUREMENTS  8cm High x 25.5cm Wide x 19cm Deep (3.15 x 10 x 7.5 Inches) CONDITION Very Good-Excellent minor wear consistent with age. With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.