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ID #SA1175085
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Meiji Mixed-metal Tobacco Case (Tonkotsu), Signed Rensai Kochu, C. 1880–1910
Gillers Antiques Ltd
sold SA1175085
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Meiji Mixed-metal Tobacco Case (Tonkotsu), Signed Rensai Kochu, C. 1880–1910

19th century
Description

A refined Japanese mixed-metal tobacco case (tonkotsu) for wearing as sagemono, bronze body richly inlaid with gold and silver (iro-zogan).

One face depicts the sage of longevity with deer, pine, and crane; the reverse a heron among lotus.

Signature ???? (Rensai Kochu) neatly inlaid in gold beside the lotus. Textbook Meiji artistry—precise chasing, nuanced stippling, and mellow patina allowing the motifs to glow softly over the bronze ground.

Measurements

• Height: 16 cm (6.30?)

• Width: 7 cm (2.76?)

• Depth: 2.3 cm (0.91?)

• Weight: 125 g

Condition

Good antique condition with warm, even patina. Minor rim dings and light wear consistent with age; interior verdigris.

Original braided cord and ojime bead present. No structural restoration. Displays beautifully.

A late-Meiji collector’s tobacco case uniting fine Kyoto metalwork, balanced composition, and auspicious iconography.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery. Professional, secure packing.

Please review all photos as they form part of the description; questions welcome.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Meiji Mixed Metal Tonkotsu to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1175085
Dealers Internal Reference
B1453
Description
A refined Japanese mixed-metal tobacco case (tonkotsu) for wearing as sagemono, bronze body richly inlaid with gold and silver (iro-zogan).

One face depicts the sage of longevity with deer, pine, and crane; the reverse a heron among lotus.

Signature ???? (Rensai Kochu) neatly inlaid in gold beside the lotus.

“
Textbook Meiji artistry—precise chasing, nuanced stippling, and mellow patina allowing the motifs to glow softly over the bronze ground.
Gillers Antiques Ltd
fig 1. An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel.
fig 1. Meiji Mixed-metal Tobacco Case (Tonkotsu), Signed Rensai Kochu, C. 1880–1910

Measurements

• Height: 16 cm (6.30?)

• Width: 7 cm (2.76?)

• Depth: 2.3 cm (0.91?)

• Weight: 125 g

Condition

Good antique condition with warm, even patina. Minor rim dings and light wear consistent with age; interior verdigris.

fig 2. An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel.
fig 2. Meiji Mixed-metal Tobacco Case (Tonkotsu), Signed Rensai Kochu, C. 1880–1910

Original braided cord and ojime bead present. No structural restoration. Displays beautifully.

A late-Meiji collector’s tobacco case uniting fine Kyoto metalwork, balanced composition, and auspicious iconography.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery. Professional, secure packing.

Please review all photos as they form part of the description; questions welcome.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Meiji Mixed Metal Tonkotsu to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1175085
Dealers Internal Ref
B1453
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

Relevant Links
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An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel.
1 / 14
Archive I An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel.

Meiji Mixed-metal Tobacco Case (Tonkotsu), Signed Rensai Kochu, C. 1880–1910

Archive II An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View II
Archive III An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View III
Archive IV An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View IV
Archive V An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View V
Archive VI An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View VI
Archive VII An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View VII
Archive VIII An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View VIII
Archive IX An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View IX
Archive X An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View X
Archive XI An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View XI
Archive XII An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View XII
Archive XIII An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View XIII
Archive XIV An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel.
Meiji Mixed-Metal Tobacco Case (Tonkotsu), Signed Rensai Kochu, c. 1880–1910
Ref: SA1175085
An oval Meiji period mixed-metal Japanese tobacco case featuring low-relief carved figures of a sage, child, deer, and flying crane with an attached suspension cord and tassel.
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FAQs

A tonkotsu is a traditional Japanese tobacco container designed to be suspended from the obi sash as part of a sagemono ensemble. During the Meiji period (18681912), master artisans applied traditional sword-fitting metalwork techniques to create decorative personal accessories for domestic and international markets.

These containers were generally cast and chased from bronze, copper, or brass alloys such as shakudo and shibuichi. Decorative figures and scenes were detailed using hand-carved relief and delicate inlays of gold, silver, and contrasting metals.

Authentic items display precise, hand-chiselled relief work, natural patination, and seamless multi-metal inlay techniques. Many original pieces bear an incised artist signature or hallmarked seal from the maker or artisan workshop.

A tonkotsu can be mounted within a fabric-lined shadow box or placed under a glass display dome on a shelf. Displaying the item alongside modern ceramics or dark wood accent furniture creates a refined focal point.

Dust the object gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush to clean small crevices without scratching the surface. Avoid using liquid polishes or abrasive chemical cleaners, as these strip historic patination and damage fragile metal overlays.
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