This type of straw work was created in the 1930s for the tourist trade. The box was created for a delicately hand embroidered handkerchief. It was not intended to be sold as a gift item itself. However, a great deal of pattern work was done to make the presentation appealing. This box was created around 1880 in Japan as a tobacco box. Although UV rays, from sunlight, have damaged the colors at the top of the box, some of the original color remains on the sides. All information, photographs and other artwork contained in this site are Copyrighted by The American Museum of Straw Art. Reproduction of any material is prohibited without prior written permission.