Barrel-shaped silver plate trinket box

A small barrel-shaped box with flowers pressed into every side of it. The round ends carry a four-part bloom-and-leaf design worked in relief, and the curved body is covered in chrysanthemums, wisteria, and trailing leaves against a finely stippled ground, so the flowers stand up bright against a soft matte background. Slim ruled borders frame each panel and give the whole thing a tidy, architectural edge. It sits up on four ball feet, and the domed top lifts on a hinge to a plain, roomy interior. The metal has darkened in the recesses, as it should, which is what makes the raised flowers read so clearly. Nice on a dresser for rings and earrings, on a desk for stamps and paper clips, or on a coffee table as a matchstick holder.

Dimensions: 2 1/4" H x 3 1/4" W x 2" D

Medium: Silver plate

Age: Estimated mid-20th century

Origin: Japan

Signature/mark: Stamped on the underside: "MADE IN JAPAN" beside a rising sun device, with Japanese characters alongside

Disclosures: Sold as-is in vintage condition; there is honest wear throughout — tarnish and darkening across the surface, heaviest in the recesses of the design, and rubbing to the high points of the raised flowers; the plain interior shows spotting, cloudiness, and light scratching from age and use; the hinge works and the lid closes, though it does not sit perfectly flush along one edge