Japanese Works of ArtTWO INLAID JAPANESE IRON CIGARETTE CASES BY THE KOMAI COMPANYIron with goldJapan, Meiji period (1868 - 1912)The first depicting a leafy bamboo stalk, the reverse with bamboo leaves – all finely inlaid in gold. The inside is signed with a gold seal Nihonkoku Kyoto no ju Komai sei beneath a dragonfly. The second with two kneeling Bijin inlaid in gold and silver – their robes beautifully adorned with geometrical patterns. The reverse is decorated with two golden cranes beneath a silver inlaid Mount Fuji; signed with gold seal Nihonkoku Kyoto no ju Komai sei in a square reserve. (2)Shape: One hinged square case, openable on the side; the other of elongated rectangular shape, openable on the topDimensions: 8.5 x 7.5 and 5.1 x 9.2 cmCondition: The ‘bamboo’ case in fine condition with a good patina. The second case in good condition with only minor discoloration to the ironProvenance: Austrian private collection