The firm of Yamanaka and Co. was founded in Kyoto early in the 1960's and was one of the first Japanese firms to be run along Western lines, recruiting graduates from the best colleges rather than solely employing family members. They sold high quality Japanese works of art as well as stylish accessories adapted for use in the Western homes. Typical of their work is the distinctive use of hardstone and jade (often in the form of animals as in the offered lot) mounted on silver-gilt objects. At the height of their success, Yamanaka and Co. had branches in New York, Boston, Chicago and Palm Springs. The stock was liquidated during World War II but continued to operate under new ownership until the 1950's.