Vintage Damascene Egyptian Revival Cigarette Case, Black and Gold Inlay Pharaoh Pyramid Anubis Card Case

A 1930s Japanese damascene case, its matte black ground inlaid with gold-tone figures drawn from the Egyptian Revival. One side holds a kneeling figure and a striding attendant at the foot of a pyramid; the other, a jackal-headed Anubis standing watch. Each figure is hand-chased with tiny punched florets and scale work, a quiet record of the maker's patience. Slim and softly domed, it carries cards or small keepsakes as easily as it once carried cigarettes.

Materials
Blackened iron or steel with gold-tone damascene inlay, brass frame, elastic retaining straps

Materials
Blackened iron or steel with gold-tone damascene inlay, brass frame, elastic retaining straps

Details

• Era: 1930s
• Style / design notes: Egyptian Revival motifs in Japanese damascene (zogan) work; figural scene on front, Anubis and pyramid on reverse, cartouche seals on both sides
• Stone or material notes: hand-chased gold-tone inlay on matte black ground
• Function: hinged cigarette or card case with push clasp and two interior elastic straps
• Color: black and gold
• Condition: Good vintage condition, with gold-tone loss on the front base bar and scattered wear to the black finish
• Measurement: approximately 3.5" x 3" 

Collected by Mineral and Matter