A most unusual antique Japanese Tonkatsu where the artist has chosen a tsuishu (red) ground over a coarse underlying hemp cloth. This Ritsuo influence of creative design gives a sense of matrix from which emerges the sacred fungus of the genii (in takamakié). The reishi mushroom has long been revered in the Far East for its medicinal benefits, which modern science has now come to recognize (see award winning documentary 'Fantastic Fungi'). The fitted lid to the container is black pine carved in relief with a design of stylized double bats of happiness. Both top and bottom cord holes are lined in stag antler. Signed in a pressed lacquer seal. Together en-suite with a netsuke of a cluster of five mushrooms growing from a common volva, each with finely carved gills beneath their cap, complete with a three-layer negoro lacquer ojimé.

Height: 9.9 cm

Tonkotsu and kiseru-zutu ensuite. The tonkotsu of rantai-shikki (heavily lacquered basket) with a gozame-ami weave. The pipecase is of the otoshi-zutsu style fashioned from the organic curved section of a stag’s antler. Ojime of picture agate. Circa 1850. 

Length: 20.4 cm

An antique Japanese burlwood tonkotsu and sculpted senryu-zutsu in the form of wild mushrooms that secure a silver and bamboo pipe. Ojime of layered Nagoro lacquer. Circa 1880’s.

Length: 21.7 cm

An unusual pipe case of the senryu-zutsu type carved in the form of a large section of timber bamboo that holds a silver and bamboo kiseru. Accompanied by a coral ojime with a woven leather cord. Circa 1880.

Length: 20.1 cm 

The Japanese genius for fashioning found materials into inspired functional works of art never ceases to amaze. This otoshi-zutsu is an exceptional example as the artist employs the darker elements of pith to create depth in perspective revealing a mountain landscape of pilgrimage, monasteries and even the mists of a thundering waterfall. The light of the outer surface is rendered as rolling clouds that reach the length of the zutsu with the himotoshi fashioned from a tendril as a gnarled old pine, symbol of strength and endurance. 19th century.

Length: 20.6 cm

An elegant pure silver pipe depicting dancing waves and darting plovers in katakiribori technique (an uneven engraving imitating brush strokes). Bamboo mid-section to cool the smoke. Both bowl and mouthpiece with pure silver pressed stamps (Jungin). Circa 1880.

Length: 25.2

An antique cloisonne yataté with hinged inkpot and interior brush and miniature knife that slides out to serve to cut sections of the ink cake. Attached is a small leather pouch to carry the ink cakes. Circa 1880. 

Length: 20.0 cm

Ashinaga (long legs) and Tenaga (long arms) are legendary fishermen who employed their unusual attributes in a cooperative venture to wade into the sea and harvest its bounty. In this humorous turn of events, an angry octopus has been provoked to offer them more resistance than they can handle. Tooled in high relief takazogan technique with gold details, intended to serve as a functional work of art to adorn the kanemono or purse clasp of a pouch. Mid-1800's. 

Length: 6.6 cm

A beautiful antique Japanese takazogan (high relief) married metalwork peony blossom, symbol of prosperity, love and honor. The peony is referred to as the 'King of Flowers' in the Far East, perhaps largely due to the fact that it began as a flower decreed exclusive to the Imperial Gardens (as mentioned by Confucius 551 - 479 BC). This rich embellishment was a functional work of art, the menuki. Intended to be wrapped within the handle braids of a sword to help secure the grip of the samurai when engaged in battle. 

A highly refined married metalwork pair of menuki with gold, silver and shakudô detail depicting bamboo ikebana baskets with elegant arrangements of various flora. Late 18th to early 19th century.

Length: 3.4 cm

A pair of menuki of a distinguished design of hunting falcons with bundles of arrows in their talons. Executed in gold, silver and shakudô, the falcon was a symbol of courage and valor, and the practice of falconry was reserved for the elite ruling class of samurai, such as Daimyo and Generals. Early 18th century.

Length: 4.5 cm

An early pair of menuki depicting an elegant nature study of snails traversing leafy boughs, symbol of patience and perseverance. Executed in gold and silver over a core of molten iron, such as was used in early Edo period mounts for swords. Late 17th century.

Length: 3.7 cm

Silver sacred cranes in flight with crown, beak, and feet in gold. The crane is the most auspicious bird in Japanese historical culture, a symbol of wisdom and longevity. The artist here has obviously observed the graceful aeronautics of these glorious birds. Late 18th to early 19th century. 

Length: 3.8 cm