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We accept payment by American Express, JCB, Maestro, MasterCard, Visa and Visa Debit, and PayPal in a number of currencies.
For Online Orders delivered to the UK, we only accept payment in UK Pounds Sterling. If you choose to pay using a payment card with a foreign currency-denominated account for an international delivery, the payment will still be taken in UK Pounds Sterling. We are not responsible for any incurring fees that your bank may charge you while the conversion takes place. The currency rate is displayed as a guide only. The final amount you will be charged will depend on your payment provider.
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Komai Compact Mirror with Two Butterflies, early 20th century
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Komai-2
Title: Komai Compact Mirror with Two Butterflies Date: early 20th century Diametre: 7.5 cm
Traditional vintage Japanese Komai compact mirror plated over brass, with iron inserts containing 24k gold and silver designs inlaid with butterflies.
The Meiji period brought many cultural changes to Japan after the country opened its doors to the West, as well as structural changes to the government, with it. What most critically impacted the arts, was the new ruling outlawing the carrying of swords by samurai. This ruling suddenly put swordsmiths and sword furniture artisans into a tight spot, as they lost most of their clientele. As a result, the Komai family, like many others, had to find another form of livelihood.
Luckily, these swordsmithing and metalworking skills could be used to produce a variety of items. Upon realising this, craftsmen started making various every-day metal objects that featured inlays. Among these objects are vases, mirrors, cigarette/tobacco cases, make-up cases, cufflinks and jewellery, mostly made for export and taking the shape of Western items. Komai Otojiro devoted himself to make higher-quality pieces for national or foreign exhibition to establish the Komai brand. His works were shown at foreign exhibitions, being very well received. Komai items were only produced for a limited amount of time and today they are rare collectibles.