Japanese Sterling Silver Flask Samurai Shokai

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FINE & RARE MEIJI STERLING SILVER BAMBOO ALONG GENTLE STREAM FLASK; ALL OVER HAND HAMMERED BACKGROUND; SIGNED "SAMURAI SHOKAI, YOKOHAMA, STERLING We are exceptionally pleased to offer this breathtaking, late Meiji sterling silver bamboo along gentle stream hammered flask. A rarely encountered form in Meiji silver. Signed for one of the most important Yokohama firm of the late Meiji period Samurai Shokai. Along with Arthur & Bond, Samurai Shokai tea and coffee wares are eagerly sought by Japanese silver collectors. Meiji period Japanese silver was the finest the world has ever known. Much was crafted by former Samurai. Imperial decree had outlawed their warrior culture. Forcing the Samurai to channel centuries old sword making skills into breathtaking presentation and household silver. The Meiji silver artisans were so highly regarded that Tiffany, Gorham and the leading British firms sent their staff to Japan to "learn" (steal) the secrets of the Samurai. This breathtaking Meiji sterling silver Samurai Shokai flask in unique slender rectangular form. Rare, as that most Meiji flasks are oval. The cover adorned with brilliantly carved streaming bamboo displays, rising from rocky ground. The remaining three sides with quiet, winding stream. The water depicted by means of long sweeping, delicately engraved wavy lines. A centuries old means of conveying water in motion. Distinctive to Japanese decorative arts. Dozens of razor tipped bamboo leaves. Sprouting from gnarled and rough hewn bamboo stalks, as real. Set against rich, hand hammered background. The endless soft hammer marks shimmer in the natural light beautifully. The flask retains the original hinged raised bun cover. Secures to base with twist and lock mechanism, in fine state. Original applied gilt monogram to cover "SW" (?) in woven leafy script. This rare Meiji sterling silver Samurai Shokai bamboo on hammered background flask is 5 1/4 inches tall. Exceptionally thick, heavy guage sterling construction weighs 5 ounces. In fine condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina throughout. Cover closes flush and tight to base. The brilliant raised bamboo trees along winding stream decoration retains its original rich, vibrant detail. Two solder spots to upper shoulder, and along much of base as shown. Two bumps to cover, the largest 1/4 inch. Clearly stamped "Samurai Shokai, Yokohama, Sterling. For the discerning collector of the finest hand wrought Meiji silver. Focused upon the most important Yokohama firms of the day. An extremely fine Meiji sterling silver streaming bamboo along gentle stream hammered flask. Signed for one of the most important Yokohama firms of the late Meiji period Samurai Shokai. Please feel free to inquire directly about this, or any item we've listed. Whether the item is alone or part of a set. We very much welcome your interest. We are collectors first. As such, we are quite easy to work with. We happily combine items when shipping, saving you costs. We ship twice weekly, usually US Postal Priority. Fully insured for domestic packages, and air parcel overseas. We charge a bit more than actual cost for custom size boxes, shipping materials and to pay for professional packing. We make great effort to accurately describe each item listed. Returns are accepted, if either condition, country of origin or dating is significantly incorrect. In such cases we refund your shipping costs as well. Like you, we are only human, and make mistakes. Hopefully, not too many. Remember, the items you see are antiques. Hence, have an expected amount of wear from normal use. As such, returning an item because we failed to mention the tiniest bit of wear, or barely discernible flaw is not acceptable. Nor do we accept returns based on buyer's remorse. Nor change of taste, or because a buyer did not realize how "small" four inches might be once in hand. Please note, Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax. We have over 5340 feedbacks. And, are quite proud of our 99.% pl... read more

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