In 1922, Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) visited Japan, acquiring many new objects for the Royal Collection. Sir Percival Phillips's narrative of the voyage described the prince's month-long visit to the country and surrounding areas. Phillips recorded that in Hong Kong the prince frequented Kowloon, 'visiting the markets, and buying souvenirs in the shops'. Queen Mary may have commissioned the prince to acquire works for her during his travels as inside the box is a handwritten note in her own hand: 'to the order of the Queen'.