This finely crafted silver Japanese bonbonnière depicts a crane standing gracefully, positioned on a naturalistic base alongside two turtles. The base features engraved Japanese characters translated "Meiji, 27th year, third month, 9th day" - March 9, 1894. 

This crane and turtle box was designed and produced to be given to guests at the imperial banquet for the twenty-fifth "silver" wedding anniversary of the Meiji Emperor and Empress in 1894. The box is decorated with a crane and two turtles, historic motifs that convey messages of auspiciousness and longevity across East Asia.

In addition to this example, there are two other known examples in private collections.  All other examples of this bonbonnière are in the collection of the Japanese Imperial Household. Kojiro Tomita (1890-1976), Isabella Stewart Gardner's friend and a curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, gave this box to Isabella Gardner sometime around the year 1909. Ms. Gardner displayed it in the Little Salon along with other objects commemorating her friendships. See also Isabella Gardner Museum website.

Dimensions:

• Height: 4 in.
• Diameter (Base): 2.25 in.
• Weight: 115 grams

Overall good condition with some tarnish and wear commensurate with age. There are two visible repairs to the cranes upper legs and one small repair on the right foot / leg joint.  The engraved characters remain sharp and legible, contributing to the historical value of the piece.