A SMALL COLLECTION OF JAPANESE METAL PIECES

A SMALL COLLECTION OF JAPANESE METAL PIECES
EDO/MEIJI, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

Comprising: two miniature yatate (writing sets) netsuke shaped as double gourds, both with a paulownia leaf to the side opening to reveal a small compartment, and with a screw-on stopper; the largest in copper and shakudo, with a ring attachment to the waist and a brush inside; the other with leaves and scrolling vines; and two models of crickets, one with a two-character signature underneath, 9.4cm max. (4)

Provenance: from the collection of William Cleverley Alexander (1840-1916), and thence by descent. One of the crickets purchased from John Sparks, 9th December 1896, for £2.10. A copy of the original invoice is available.