Japanese Meiji gold lacquered ryoshibako document box, with silver mounts. Decorated with a Japanese garden scene.Provenance: Gift to Louis W. Hill from Komura Jutaro, a passenger on the Hill's "Dakota;" collection of the James J. Hill Reference Library.Marquess Komura Jutaro (Japanese, 1855-1911) was a Japanese statesman and diplomat. Komura served as Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs until September 1898, when he was named ambassador to Washington, D.C.Dakota was a steam built by the Eastern buildingpany of Groton, Connecticut for the Great Northern Steampany owned by railroad magnate James J. Hill to enhance and promote trade between the United States and Japan. In 1904 the Great Northern Railway made an effort to facilitate trade with Asia, particularly with Japan and China, by entering into ,000 GRT were ordered. Dakota was the second of these vessels, and was laid down at the Eastern buildingpany's yard at Groton, and launched on February 6, 1904 (yard number 2), with Miss Mary Bell Flemington of Ellendale being the sponsor. The ceremony was attended by nearly 5,000 people, including the governor of Connecticut Abiram Chamberlain, ex-governor Thomas Waller, James J. Hill, president of the Great Northern Steampany, many members of the board of trade from Minnesota and North and South Dakota, senators Hansborough and McCumber of North Dakota among others. At the time, she and her sister- Minnesota were described as the largest s ever built in America.Certain individuals are prohibited by law to purchase items in this auction. Descendants of James J. Hill within three generations (Great Grandchildren and closer) are not allowed to purchase items. Additionally, board members of the foundation and their families (spouses, children, spouses of children, grandchildren) are also prohibited from purchasing items.Dimensions: Height: 5 in x width: 9 1/2 in x depth: 8 in.