Unidentified Order of the Sacred Treasure, Class 4 - in Mysterious Case

[Satsuma]

Hi Everybody!

I have the above order and don't doubt its authenticity. However, the case in which it sits has me stumped.

I attach two pictures and make the following observations.

First, I have not seen a case for a Class 4 with a lid that comes off separately - usually, lids are hinged.

Second, to help the lid to stay with the base, it can be tied on with the purple tassels attached to the base.

Third, indeed, I have not seen a case with tassels.

Fourth, I have not seen a case with the three Paulownia leaves, as depicted.

Last, the lacquer inside the lid (and this is not pictured) seems to have been mixed with gold-coloured "glitter". Unusual in its own right.

I'm not sure of its era but, although "as new", it looks pre-WWII. My wild guess is Taisho (1912 - 1926).

I am wondering if anyone can help me better understand this particular and wonderful piece.

All good wishes

Satsuma

[JapanX]

Hi Satsuma,

nice fourth class in the case for nobles and foreigners.

For more info about these cases see

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/56850-japanese-orders-in-tamatebako-miyake-boxes-for-nobles-and-foreigners/

It's hard to date your order by this photo (we need close-ups of obverse and reverse).

I'd say it came from [1900s ; 1910s] time period.

Regards,

Nick

[Rogi]

What a great find Please do post more pictures :)

[Satsuma]

Gentlemen!

I am touched by your interest and kind responses.

I am more than happy to attach additional photos and have done so below.

(After my opening post, I saw a better than half explanation on about our Page 28, but didn't want to renege on what advice I might have received anyway. Thanks for your help.)

I hope the extra photos can provide further light.

All good wishes

Satsuma

[Satsuma]

Hi Nick!

Oops! - I now add a photo of the obverse.

Sats

[JapanX]

Thanks for additional photos!

Nice marked 4th class from 1900s-1910s.

Cheers,

Nick

[Rogi]

Amazing really awesome, thank you so much for posting additional pictures

[Brian Wolfe]

Hello Satsuma,

An interesting and ownderful specimen. Thanks for posting it.

Regards

Brian