Okimono, tsuge wood. Japan, 19th cent.
A masterfully crafted okimono in yellow-red boxwood. The lotus leaf and snake-like curved stem are curled inward nearly forming a cup, possibly meant as a tray. On the edge of the veined leaf are two beetles, very spiritedly crafted and definitely presenting their own intrinsic charm. The eyes are tiny, black and inlaid, heads are brawny, wings and legs are in best miniature work. Beneath the signature MITSU-YUKI 光 之.
LENGTH 11,2 CM
From a German collection