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ID #SA1175085
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£900
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Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €1,053     $1,143
£900
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

1900 - 1920
Description

A rare and exceptionally finely worked Chinese spectacle case dating from the late Qing dynasty or early Republic period, circa 1890–1920.

The slender case is handmade from patinated copper alloy and richly decorated with applied contrasting metals, individually chased and engraved. The workmanship is particularly accomplished: the figures, animals, feathers, foliage and robes are articulated with unusually delicate linework, varied relief and remarkable control across the curved surface.

One side depicts Shoulao, the revered deity of longevity, accompanied by a deer and crane beneath pine branches. The reverse is decorated with an egret or heron among lotus, forming part of an auspicious visual language associated with longevity, advancement and success.

The Chinese inscriptions include 仙壽圖, referring to an image of immortal longevity, and 連科高中, an auspicious wish for repeated success in the imperial examinations. The latter is a Chinese phrase rather than an artist’s signature.

Unlike more commonly encountered simplified or serially produced examples, this case displays the individuality of hand workmanship throughout. The delicate engraving, separately worked metal elements and nuanced modelling place it in a distinctly higher class of production.

The case retains its traditional cord, bead and tassel. Its compact scale, sophisticated decoration and uncommon quality make it a particularly desirable find for a collector of Chinese metalwork, scholars’ objects or historic personal accessories.

Measurements

Height: 16 cm / 6.30 in

Width: 7 cm / 2.76 in

Depth: 2.3 cm / 0.91 in

Weight: 125 g

Condition

Good antique condition, with light surface wear and age-related marks. There are several small rim dings and areas of interior oxidation and verdigris. The cord, bead and tassel are preserved, with expected age wear. No structural repairs observed. The contrasting metals have not been scientifically tested.

Spectacles are not included.

A scarce, highly decorative and remarkably refined example of Chinese mixed-metal craftsmanship, presenting beautifully as both a collector’s object and a sculptural interior accent.

Fully tracked and insured worldwide delivery. Professionally and securely packed.

Please examine all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description. Questions are always welcome.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Meiji Mixed Metal Tonkotsu to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1175085
Dealers Internal Reference
B1453
Description
A rare and exceptionally finely worked Chinese spectacle case dating from the late Qing dynasty or early Republic period, circa 1890–1920.
“
The slender case is handmade from patinated copper alloy and richly decorated with applied contrasting metals, individually chased and engraved.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The workmanship is particularly accomplished: the figures, animals, feathers, foliage and robes are articulated with unusually delicate linework, varied relief and remarkable control across the curved surface.

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. Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

One side depicts Shoulao, the revered deity of longevity, accompanied by a deer and crane beneath pine branches. The reverse is decorated with an egret or heron among lotus, forming part of an auspicious visual language associated with longevity, advancement and success.

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. Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

The Chinese inscriptions include 仙壽圖, referring to an image of immortal longevity, and 連科高中, an auspicious wish for repeated success in the imperial examinations. The latter is a Chinese phrase rather than an artist’s signature.

fig 3. 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 3. Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

Unlike more commonly encountered simplified or serially produced examples, this case displays the individuality of hand workmanship throughout. The delicate engraving, separately worked metal elements and nuanced modelling place it in a distinctly higher class of production.

fig 4. 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 4. Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

The case retains its traditional cord, bead and tassel. Its compact scale, sophisticated decoration and uncommon quality make it a particularly desirable find for a collector of Chinese metalwork, scholars’ objects or historic personal accessories.

fig 5. 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 5. Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

Measurements

Height: 16 cm / 6.30 in

Width: 7 cm / 2.76 in

Depth: 2.3 cm / 0.91 in

Weight: 125 g

Condition

Good antique condition, with light surface wear and age-related marks. There are several small rim dings and areas of interior oxidation and verdigris. The cord, bead and tassel are preserved, with expected age wear. No structural repairs observed. The contrasting metals have not been scientifically tested.

fig 6. 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 6. Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

Spectacles are not included.

A scarce, highly decorative and remarkably refined example of Chinese mixed-metal craftsmanship, presenting beautifully as both a collector’s object and a sculptural interior accent.

Fully tracked and insured worldwide delivery. Professionally and securely packed.

Please examine all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description. Questions are always welcome.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Meiji Mixed Metal Tonkotsu to the 1900s.

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.
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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.

Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

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 397
Items Sold 567
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
397
Sold
567
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.
Rare Chinese Mixed-Metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, c. 1900
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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