Japanese Sterling Mixed Metal Box

Paul Evans Mixed Metal Riveted Box Good original Surface Useful Size

A lovely mid century Japanese silver and mixed metal rectangular hinged box on squat shaped feet. The inside lined in rosewood. Stamped SILVER 0.950. Circa 1950. The decorative mixe...

Gorham Aesthetic Movement Sterling Mixed-Metal Box with Lizard and Mice, 1883 Dimensions: 3.5" W × 2.5" D × 1.5" H Materials: Copper with applied silver decoration Marks: Gorham, date letter “P” for 1883 A finely crafted American Aesthetic Movement mixed-metal box by Gorham, executed in copper with sculptural silver appliqué. The domed lid features a dynamic lizard in high relief, accompanied by two playful mice in motion, all arranged above a silvered ground with grasses and textured earth. The decoration is set asymmetrically against the warm copper body, leaving generous areas of polished surface that highlight the contrast between metals. The interior is left plain, showing use consistent with age. The imagery reflects the strong influence of Japanese Meiji-era design on Gorham in the late 19th century. Themes of small animals and naturalistic vignettes were drawn directly from Japanese art, where lizards were regarded as symbols of protection and renewal, and mice were associated with quickness, fertility, and in some contexts, good fortune. Together, they create a whimsical narrative of pursuit, rendered with wit and naturalistic detail. This work exemplifies the Aesthetic Movement credo of “Art for Art’s Sake,” emphasizing beauty, asymmetry, and nature study over traditional allegory. Gorham’s mixed-metal line, developed in the wake of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, sought to rival Tiffany & Co. in innovation and design, producing decorative objects that were both functional and avant-garde. Comparable Gorham copper...

Here is a brutalist, mixed metal keep-sake box by Paul Evans, circa 1970s. It is constructed of patinated copper panels and lined with cork. The design features splashes of solder a...

A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...

Nice Japanese glove box in red, yellow and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and red characters. Inside you have...

Nice Japanese glove box in red and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and white flowers and foliage on all its vi...

Japanese Modern silver box, ca 1920. Rectangular with curved corners; corner bracket supports. Cover top has centrally applied gilt chrysanthemum flowerhead and engraved corner cloud...

A fine Japanese porcelain box. Decorated to the exterior with a dark turquoise enamel ground with floral decorations. The figural finial as wel...

A fine Japanese cloisonne hinged box with pheasant and autumn foliage, by Inaba Nanaho and the Inaba Cloisonne Company, Meiji period, circa 1900, ...