When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Nippon Noritake Egyptian Revival Footed Humidor Box Morimura M Wreath 1911-1921
AI Research and Description
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This porcelain humidor jar features stylized hand-painted panels executed in the distinctive Egyptian Revival taste. The global fascination with Egyptian motifs spiked significantly during the late Meiji and Taisho periods, driven by continuous archaeological discoveries in the Valley of the Kings. Notably, this piece predates Howard Carter’s landmark 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb, placing its design within an earlier, highly academic phase of Western Egyptomania.
Manufactured by Noritake for the Morimura Brothers import firm, the underside bears the authentic green "M in Wreath" backstamp. This specific marking was utilized between 1911 and 1921. The "M" honors Ichizaemon Morimura VI, a pioneering figure in the global distribution of fine Japanese porcelain.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Brand / Manufacturer: Noritake (Morimura Brothers)
Origin: Japan (Nippon)
Period / Date of Manufacture: Circa 1911–1921
Backstamp / Marking: Green "M in Wreath" underglaze mark reads "Hand Painted / NIPPON"
Form: Square, footed humidor/tobacco box with matching stepped lid and interior flange
Primary Motif: Stylized polychrome Egyptian sphinx/winged deity figures alternating with Art Nouveau-influenced papyrus/lotus flower panels
Base Dimensions: 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches (Width x Depth)
Overall Height: 4.75 inches (Inclusive of lid)
CONDITION REPORT
Overall Condition: Excellent antique state, presenting with structural integrity consistent with careful cabinet display.
Porcelain Body: Free of chips, hairline cracks, fleabites, or prior structural restorations.
Glaze & Enamels: The underglaze and overglaze enamel applications retain their original saturation. No major scuffing or tracking marks are visible on the panel faces.
Base / Rim Wear: Negligible shelf wear on the unglazed contact pads of the four feet. The interior rim and lid flange show minimal friction rubbing.
Foreign Matter: Minor incidental kiln soot spots on the unglazed foot base incurred during original Taisho-era firing, standard for production of this era.
BACKSTAMP
Green M in Wreath, Hand Painted, Nippon
