Japanese Samurai Sword Kashira Gold Ornament 19c Buddha Confucius Lao-Tze LS #074 Tools A finely cast Edo-period menuki

A finely cast Edo-period menuki showing a severed arm with a small oni perched upon it

All five drawers are beautifully hand carved with a Phoenix motif in Yumu - Northern Chinese elm a high quality wood highly regarded in Chinese furniture making

Publisher: [not stated]

illustrating popular fiction (notably for the novelist Udagawa Bunkai)

wire-ribbed grip)

Japanese Samurai Sword Kashira Gold Ornament 19c Buddha Confucius Lao-Tze LS #074 Tools A finely cast Edo-period menukiAn outstanding 19th century Edo period Japanese kashira (pommel fitting at the end of a sword hilt), crafted in iron with exquisite mixed metal inlay. The design depicts the famous Chinese allegory of the Vinegar Tasters, showing the three great sages Confucius, the Buddha, and Lao Tze gathered around a vat of vinegar. Each figures expression conveys the philosophy they represent: Confucius finds the taste sour, reflecting the view that life requires