SOZAN: A FINE ANTLER KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING SHOKI AND ONI, WITH EN SUITE LEATHER POUCH

SOZAN: A FINE ANTLER KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING SHOKI AND ONI, WITH EN SUITE LEATHER POUCH WITH SHOKI KANAMONO

By Sozan, signed Sozan 宗山
Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th century

The kiseruzutsu (pipe case) of senryu-zutsu form, finely carved with Shoki standing on the rocky bank of a river next to a large waterfall beneath a gnarled wintery tree where a cowering oni, perching on the highest branch, hides from the demon slayer. The eyes of Shoki are inlaid in gilt metal, the rim of the pipe with a silver trim, and the cord attachment formed by the gnarled tree branch. Signed SOZAN on a circular reserve which plugs the hollow section of antler.

Together with an agate ojime and en suite tobacco pouch (tabako-ire) crafted from leather with a gold, silver, and suaka (copper) kanamono (pouch fitting) depicting Shoki looking upwards with his sword drawn.

HEIGHT 20.3 cm (the pipe case), LENGTH 9 cm (the pouch), DIAMETER 1.7 cm (the ojime)

Condition: The pipe case in very good condition with minor wear and typical 'natural flaws'. The ojime in good condition with minor wear and a small chip to a natural fissure. The pouch in very good condition with minor wear and traces of use.
Provenance: Private collection of Heidi Haupt-Battaglia (1921-2019), Switzerland.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related senryu-zutsu form pipe case carved with shishi, by the same artist and signed Sozan, at Lempertz, Netsuke and Sagemono, 9 June 2017, Cologne, lot 714 (sold for EUR 2,108).