Description
Pair of Imperial «bonbonnières» in the form of miniature kabutos decorated with a maedate representing the imperial chrysanthemum.
Silver and silver-gilt.
This model was offered during a lunch organised for Princess and Prince Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, the fifteenth year of the Taisho era (1926).
The tradition of Imperial «bonbonnières» began during the celebration of 25th Wedding Anniversary of Emperor Meiji and Empress Haruko March 9, 1894. The emperor decided to adopt the Western tradition according to which a souvenir is offered to guests at a commemoration. He offered a silver «bonbonnière» to each of his 500 guests. This tradition was continued by his successors, it spread also among the nobility.
- Period
- Taisho
- Height
- 4,5 cm
