Lot Essay
For the signature Shoryu see lot no. 67.
![FIVE UNUSUAL STAGSHORN KISERUZUTSU [PIPECASES]](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2000/CKS/2000_CKS_06327_0052_000(011517).jpg?w=1)
EDO/MEIJI PERIOD (19TH CENTURY)
Details
FIVE UNUSUAL STAGSHORN KISERUZUTSU [PIPECASES]
Edo/Meiji period (19th century)
The first carved as a half-human, half-octopus monster, two of its legs standing on a rock forming the holder for the pipe-bowl, dressed in a simple loincloth, the rest of its arms issuing from its shoulders, its eyes inlaid in shell, signed near the base on a shell plaque Ryusai; the second carved as a pair of pliers with a demon holding a mallet climbing up one side, signed near the base on a polished rectangular plaque Shoryu; the third carved in relief as a snake twisting its way around and through a rotten tree-trunk, unsigned; the fourth carved with an openwork net pattern (cracked); the fifth carved in low relief with a dragon on a panel surrounded by imitation basketwork, ivory ojime in the form of a boy holding a mask
8in. (20.2cm.), 7¾in. (20cm.), 7¾in. (20cm.), 8¼in. (21cm.) and 81/8in. (20.6cm.) long respectively (5)
Edo/Meiji period (19th century)
The first carved as a half-human, half-octopus monster, two of its legs standing on a rock forming the holder for the pipe-bowl, dressed in a simple loincloth, the rest of its arms issuing from its shoulders, its eyes inlaid in shell, signed near the base on a shell plaque Ryusai; the second carved as a pair of pliers with a demon holding a mallet climbing up one side, signed near the base on a polished rectangular plaque Shoryu; the third carved in relief as a snake twisting its way around and through a rotten tree-trunk, unsigned; the fourth carved with an openwork net pattern (cracked); the fifth carved in low relief with a dragon on a panel surrounded by imitation basketwork, ivory ojime in the form of a boy holding a mask
8in. (20.2cm.), 7¾in. (20cm.), 7¾in. (20cm.), 8¼in. (21cm.) and 81/8in. (20.6cm.) long respectively (5)
Provenance
The fifth, Henry Charles Clifford Collection
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.