Page 137 - Bonhams Auction NYC Japanese and Korean Art March 15, 2017
P. 137
6302
UNNO MORITOSHI (1834-1896)
A fine iron panel
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
The russet-iron panel carved in relief with a playful scene of a large
rat struggling with an egg as two smaller rats pull on its tail, the eyes
finished in shakudo and the egg in silver overlays, signed Ryounsai and
sealed in gold Mori, mounted on a wood panel
11 3/4 x 14 1/2in (29.9 x 36.8cm) (overall); 6 x 8 3/8in (15.1 x 21.3cm)
(panel only)
US$20,000 - 25,000
Provenance
Thomas B. Marston
Thomas E. Marston, and thence by descent
According to family records, this panel was purchased in 1898 or 1899
by Thomas B. Marston on a trip to Japan. Marston was reportedly
there as a guest of the Meiji government to advise on selections of art
to represent Japan at the upcoming Exposition Universelle to be held
in Paris in 1900.
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