In 1916 K. Takeda, a Japanese immigrant, opened an antiques shop, "Takeda Yoko" (武田洋行) in Tientsin (Tianjin),
China. "Yoko" in Chinese means "foreign company". Eight years later, in 1924, his brother joined the business and the name of the company
was changed to "Takeda Bros. & Co." [武田兄弟洋行].
Damascene box by Takeda Bros. & Co.
Takeda company imported and traded damascene wares from Kyoto, as well as turtle shell products, Satsuma porcelain, lacquer ware, gold and silver inlaid crafts,
bronze, ivory, silk, china ware, embroidered pictures and other art objects.
In the late 1930's the company's management has been changed, but the name remained the same. By the 1944, Takeda Broshers company had still been in business,
with the operational income of 80,000 yuan.
