Japanese matchbox in shagreen and gilt bronze, decorated with taka zōgan, Meiji period (circa 1880)

Small Japanese matchbox from the 19th century, made from sword mounting elements (katana): a fuchi (handle ring), a kashira (pommel) and a menuki (ornament applied to the handle). These components, worked with the meticulous goldsmithing specific to the art of Japanese weapons, are reassembled here in perfect harmony to create an object of use and collection.

The body is sheathed in shagreen (sanded ray skin), a material traditionally used on sword handles for its strength and pearly texture. The metal parts are bronze decorated with raised gold and silver inlays (taka zōgan). This technique involves adding precious metals to the surface of the bronze, sculpted in relief and then hand-chiseled to create a very subtle interplay of planes and lights.

The lid, from a kashira, is decorated with a floral chariot in high relief, while the base, from a fuchi, features a floral garland decoration. On one side, a menuki depicting an armored samurai completes the composition. Under the base, an integrated matchstick striker testifies to its utilitarian function.

From the 1870s onwards, after the abolition of sword-wearing (Haitōrei edict of 1876), Japanese craftsmen reused unused katana mounts to create curiosities and everyday objects. This phenomenon, encouraged by the strong demand from Western travelers and collectors fascinated by Japanese exoticism, gave rise to a luxurious and refined production of objects combining samurai heritage and Meiji decorative taste, as evidenced by this singularly charming matchbox.

5.5 x 4 x 2.2