Antique De La Rue Playing Card Set in K. Inouye Kobe Wood & Brass Case

A rare and complete double-deck set of Old Japan series playing cards by the renowned British maker Thomas De La Rue & Co.  The cards feature exquisite, atmospheric lithographic scenes of Meiji-era Japan, with one deck finished in a vibrant border.  Each deck depicts iconic landscapes and mountain tops.

The set is housed in its original, high-quality wooden case which features a dark stained wood with decorative brass corner mounts and yin-yang motif handle.

An original metal plaque on the case signed "K.INOUYE, KOBE JAPAN" alongside a Torii gate logo.  K-Inouye was a well known early 20th-century exporter of high quality Japanese curios.

A dual-compartment inner drawer that slides smoothly into the outer case.

The box measures 11.5cm x 7.5cm x 9cm.

Condition: Both decks are complete (52/52 cards)  Please note these decks do not have Jokers cards.  There is a slight minor bit of damage to the corner of the inner drawer (see photo) but other than that please see the photographs.  The outer case has some age-related wear.  Overall, a stunning find.

Stock code - CG-CCU-047