Description
Antique Japanese Taisho Period Mixed Metals box. 2 3/8" wide x 1.75" deep x 1 1/8" tall with no issues, amazing work of art. First quarter of 20th century, Allie monogram in interior.
Fujii Yoshitoyo was born in 1868 in Kyoto, Japan. Some sources write "Yoshitoyo" as "Biho" or "Miho", as 美豊 can be read in several ways. In addition, Fujii's first name can be written either as 美豊 or 美豐, since 豊 kanji is the simplified form of 豐. Fujii's family is known as early as 17th century and for four generations has enjoyed renown as the producer of inlaid work of first rank. Early in life, Yoshitoyo trained himself in this art, which led him to perceive the fact that there was ample room for further improvements and developments. Long experience and careful study gave him the skill and knowledge by which he could perfect the art, but Kyoto in those days was quite conservative, so that it was practically impossible for him to carry into practice the results of his investigation. He left home and came to Tokyo, the centre of learning, where he devoted himself to the art for a number of years, and finally succeeded in introducing valuable improvements.
In 1902, at the age of 35, Fujii obtained his first patent from the Imperial Government. In 1909 he was granted his second patent. His damascene work, being made mostly from designs drawn by Prof. Bisei Unno of the Tokyo Fine Art School, well met the taste and requirements of the time.
