A shakudo kozuka
Probably Ishiguro School, 19th century
Bearing a nanako ground and inlaid in gold and copper takazogan with ten minute ants carrying an earthworm, within a thickly gilt frame with ‘slanting rain’ yasuri, unsigned.
FOOTNOTES
小柄　蟻と蚯蚓　無銘　19世紀

Provenance: Henri Vever collection, purchased at Sotheby’s London, 1974.