QUADRANGULAR BOX in dark wood sheathed in silver,... Lot 20

QUADRANGULAR BOX in dark wood sheathed in silver, the lid adorned with a sentoku plate decorated in light relief and engraved in katakiribori with foaming waves in the light of a golden moon. Signed Nobutsugu Koku, "engraved by Nobutsugu". Samurai Shokai - Yokohama sterling" mark on reverse, and inlaid stamp on base. Japan, Yokohama, circa 1900-1920. A WOOD, SILVER, BRONZE AND GOLD BOX AND COVER, WITH SAMURAI SHOKAI MARK, JAPAN, YOKOHAMA, CA. 1900-1920. DIM. 5 X 10,1 X 13,7 CM (2 X 4 X 5 3/8 IN.) NOTE Founded by Japanese businessman Yozo Nomura (1870 - 1965) in Yokohama, Samurai Shokai (1895-1965) was one of Japan's most famous luxury stores in the early 20th century. After dropping out of university and traveling in America and Europe, Yozo Namura returned to Yokohama, near Tokyo, where he opened a small luxury boutique selling not only silver, but also jades, lacquers, silks and porcelain. The business expanded rapidly and, to satisfy his international clientele, Nomura pioneered a mail-order service. He supplied the Japanese Imperial Household, as well as the world's leading museums. Samurai Shokai exhibited in London at the 1910 Anglo-Japanese Fair, gaining popularity in Europe.