Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid

Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid

£114.00
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Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
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  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
  • Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid
Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid

Antique Japanese Brass Vesta Case, Meiji Period Attribution, Expressive Face and Animal Relief, Hinged Lid

£114.00
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

A mischievous smile emerges from darkened brass, a small pocket guardian with a face worth lingering over.

This antique Japanese vesta case brings sculptural ornament to a compact everyday object. An expressive human face dominates the front, framed by finely lined textures and a curling animal form whose head peers from above. Bright raised details stand against darker recesses, giving the scene depth and an almost theatrical presence.

The rounded rectangular body opens beneath a hinged lid, with decoration continuing across its upper section. Identified by Vaen’kai Vault as a Meiji-period brass example, it is offered with that attribution rather than an independently established exact date. The depicted figure and animal are left unnamed, avoiding a specific folklore identification without supporting research.

The Particulars

  • Type: Vesta case / match safe
  • Origin: Japan, as identified by the seller
  • Period: Attributed by the seller to the Meiji period
  • Material: Brass, as identified by the seller
  • Form: Rounded rectangular body with hinged lid
  • Decoration: Raised expressive face, curling animal form, and finely textured surroundings
  • Maker: Unidentified
  • Condition: Aged patina with visible surface wear described below

The photographs show darkened patina in the recesses, brighter rubbed areas on the raised relief, scattered spots, and fine scratches. Wear and uneven surface colour are visible around the lid seam and hinge. The lid is shown both open and closed, but its holding tension has not been established. The interior and striker are not clearly documented in these photographs, so no claim is made about their condition or usability. No specific maker, production method, or exact year is claimed.

A characterful brass pocket relic for a keeper drawn to miniature sculpture and objects with a sly expression of their own. Carefully nestled in its treasure coffin, a vault relic from Vaen’kai Vault.

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