An inscription on the tomobako for this work reads Ryо̄heika yori onmyо̄dai oyobi tabitabi no gokenjо̄butsu ni taishi goaisatu toshite on'itadaki – “Received from the envoy of their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, in return for our frequent offerings.” The date is recorded as Shо̄wa ninen sangatsu itsuka – 5 March, Showa 2 (1927), just over 2 months into the reign of  Emperor Hirohito. 

As would be expected of an imperial gift, it is unsigned but the quality is superb. The subject is hibiscus, fuyo, set within a field of tall grasses. A beautiful gradation of the design elements is achieved by subtle variations of gold and silver makie powders in hiramakie and takamakie techniques. Within the box, framing the black suzuri and silver suiteki, is a ground of rich, low-gloss red set with six butterflies. 

The piece is a visual celebration of nature, but also carries symbolic significance in its choice of subject matter. The hibiscus is associated with wealth – the short-lived delicacy of its flowers denoting the beauty of perfection – while the butterfly, denoting longevity, shares the auspicious values of good fortune in health and prosperity.