Edo period Sawasa ware box. Japan, early 18th century.

An Edo period Sawasa ware box.

The circular copper gilt and shakudo box with a central flower panel with plum blossom on a nanako ground.

The base engraved in gilt with willow, iris & peaches, whilst the interior is gilded.

Japan, early 18th century.

Measures 7cm in diameter.

Provenance
Possibly William Beckford (1760-1844);
His daughter Susan Euphemia, Duchess of Hamilton (1786-1859);
Her granddaughter, Lady Mary Louise (1884-1957), only child and principal heir of William Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 12th Duke of Hamilton, who married in 1906 James Graham (1878-1954), Marquess of Graham who in 1925 succeeded his father as 6th Duke of Montrose;
Thence by descent

Literature
cf. Sawasa Japanese Export Art in Black and Gold, 1650-1800, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, pp.107-110 for closely related boxes.