Antique Japanese Silver Hip Flask c.1900

Exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique Japanese silver hip flask; part of our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional and rare antique Japanese silver hip flask has a rectangular shaped form with rounded sides. The surface of the flask is embellished with impressive bright cut engraved decoration depicting an iconic and traditional dressed Japanese lady to one side and bamboo stalks to the other; one panel bears the artists signature Shizukata 靜方. The decoration to the body is framed with simplified organic textured borders, accented with a wriggle work decorated border. This large antique hip flask is fitted with a plain screw fit domed cover, in addition to a secondary screw fit measuring/sake cup. This flask has been tested for watertightness and is ready for use. To ensure the flask remains water tight, the cork should be moist and therefore fully expanded to provide an effective seal. There are two recommended methods to ensure the cork does not dry out and shrink: Method One: Keep fluid in the flask at all times, and keep the flask on its side to ensure the cork remains wet. Method Two: Fill the flask to the brim with fluid and close. Leave it like this overnight, or 24 hours if possible, before use. Such flasks are very rare and this piece is the finest example of its type you could hope to acquire. We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his help in identifying the Japanese signature to this hip flask. Maker: Unmarked