Vintage Damascene Egyptian Revival Oval Trinket Box, Black and Gold Inlay Footed Hinged Box with Figures and Serpents

A 1930s Japanese damascene box in a softly rounded oval, its matte black ground inlaid with gold-tone scenes from the Egyptian Revival. On the lid, two figures in patterned robes face an offering table where a small bird perches beside an urn. Fan bearers, vessels, and a long-beaked creature circle the sides, with a serpent winding along each face of the lid, all hand-chased in fine line and dot work. Raised on four brass feet, it holds rings, pills, or small keepsakes.

Materials
Blackened iron or steel with gold-tone damascene inlay, brass trim, feet, and interior

Details

• Era: 1930s
• Markings: "R/RH" hand-inked on the interior base
• Style / design notes: Egyptian Revival motifs in Japanese damascene (zogan) work; figural scene on lid, decorated on all sides with cartouche seal and serpent borders
• Stone or material notes: hand-chased gold-tone inlay on matte black ground
• Function: hinged, footed trinket or pill box
• Color: black and gold
• Condition: Good vintage condition, with gold-tone wear on the lid figures and along the hinge, light wear to the black finish, and spotting to the brass interior
• Measurement: approximately 3" x 2" x 1.5"

Collected by Mineral and Matter