Signed: Ozeki Yahei, with a silver plaque under the lid and Shinryo Masamasa on one of the panels with a red lacquer, inlaid plaque bordered by mother-of-pearl.
With original carved and reticulated wood stand.

It's domed lid is surmounted by a silver and shakudo hawk perched upon a rocky mount splashed by turbulent, silver waves. Its body, a marvel of Meiji genius, consists of multi gold-lacquer techniques, the use of heavy carved silver and highly detailed Shibayama panels. Upon the shoulder, six fully sculpted silver, shakudo and shibuichi phoenix appear to guard the piece while it presents itself regally upon its own gold-lacquered, silver-mounted pedestal.

Flying Cranes Antiques, Ltd.

Exhibitors at The International Asian Art Fair, booth A8, March 23-28, Park Ave. Armory, NYC.

Concurrent with this exhibition at the Armory, Flying Cranes will mount a separate exhibition at their gallery #58 entitled "The Japanese Ikebana Basket: Consummate Artistry in Bamboo" March 19-May 31.