An unusual and large Japanese embellished rootwood

An unusual and large Japanese embellished rootwood hibachi 日本百宝镶嵌根雕 Meiji period 明治

Decorated in gold and coloured hiramakie, takamakie, aogai, and shells, with a kappa battling a crab, a ferret-like creature, octopus, crabs, frogs and a large reptilian beast, among seaweed, shells, and barnacle-covered rocks.

(H: 17 in.)

Sold Christies, London, 11 June - 12 June, 2003, lot 188, "Boulle to Jansen: An Important Private European Collection"
Peter Petrou, London
Property from a Private Collection, New York, acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 2006-2007

Condition report:

Overall good condition, some inlay missing and age cracks.