Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

λ AN EXQUISITE SHIBAYAMA-STYLE LACQUER TSUBA (SWORD GUARD)
MEIJI ERA, 19TH/20TH CENTURY

Of mokkō-gata shape with a metal mount, one side decorated with Emma-ō, the King of Hell resting on a low table and looking visibly annoyed whilst the Goddess of Mirth Okame stands behind him, with a red oni in the background, the demon also looking mischievous; in an interior decorated with a vase of flowers, ornate curtains and Emma-ō's sword to the side, a pavilion nestled amongst mountains visible in the distance; the reverse with a kingfisher perched on a fruiting branch of nandina (heavenly bamboo) and with white narcissus below; all intricately rendered in mother of pearl, coral, horn and other minute inlays on the iroe-hiramakie, nashiji and kirikane lacquer ground; signed Shinichi in a red cartouche, 9.6cm.

With an ivory registration number.