Late Edo (1600-1868) kiseru zutsu (pipe case and tobacco box). The pipe case is made of stag antler. It has an opening at the top of the hollowed antler in which the pipe would have been put. The box is made of burl wood. There is a beautiful metalwork embellishment on the face, of a beetle done in shibuichi (metal alloy having a small quantity of gold). The ojime is made of green jasper. The pipe case is stuck into the back of the obi and the wooden box hangs out over the back. This would have been a very showy and beautiful piece. There is a lovely running calligraphy on the side of the pipe case with the image of a warrior behind a fabric fence.
size: PIPE CASE 8.25 INCHES LONG, BOX 3 X 4 X 1 INCHES