Naga454 Nagasaki clockwork mechanical ashtray

An ashtray for cigars judging from the larger prong holders at the top basin. The body of the tray is black lacquer with inset lozenges of Nagasaki raden, mother-of-pearl inlay. Another lozenge contains an early daguerotype photo of a scene that appears to be Miyajima, a favourite tourist spot in Hiroshima. The entire tray can be twisted to open in a type of mechanism known in Japan as karakuri からくりto reveal three bamboo slatted bins for matches. The matchboxes are still inside. Circa 1900, from Nagasaki, for export or sale to foreigners.

naga454 Cigar ashtray   $83.00 (shipping & packing available) We accept VISA and MASTERCARD See more at Richard Arts