† A GOOD JAPANESE INLAID-IRON BOX AND COVER MEIJI 1868-1912 The rectangular body with lobed corners

† A GOOD JAPANESE INLAID-IRON BOX AND COVER

MEIJI 1868-1912

The rectangular body with lobed corners, the lid decorated with Daikoku in low relief, the God of Good Fortune depicted playing with a small rat clambering on his mallet cast in high relief, with two rice bails to the side and a large sack behind, the rim with a band of stylised paulownia leaves and scrolling tendrils, the sides with formal butterflies fluttering amongst further tendrils, the lid with a six character signature in a rectangular cartouche, possibly reading Ryusaito Masatoshi tagane, 16cm x 11.5cm x 5.8cm. (2)