Match box and striker and matches

This match box in the Aesthetic Japanese style has a flip-top opening at the top with the hinge at the foredge. It still contains six original matches. Both covers have different asymmetrical designs of poppy flowers. The flowers on the front may be made from a different metal or had a different patina as the blossoms are shiny silver and the background is darker. The back of the book has a diagonal band running across the center, originally intended for an inscription or monogram. The top and bottom edges are smooth, but the foredge is engraved with horizontal lines for striking. -- description by Mindell Dubansky in consultation with Lynn Heckman