A RARE JAPANESE STAG ANTLER 'DRAGON AND TIGER' SCROLL CASE FOR A BUDDHIST SUTRA Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely carved stag antler in high relief with roller ends made of dark horn. The case is made in the form of a scroll, openable in the middle. Depicted is a celestial dragon, finely carved amidst clouds, the scales and fierce expression particularly detailed. Below the dragon is a tiger snarling at the dragon, naturalistically carved with sprays of waves around him. The antler has been carved with great skill. LENGTH 16 cm Condition: Very good condition, one tiny age crack, a minor imperfection around the edge of the opening and a tiny chip on the edge. Provenance: Old Austrian private collection. Tiger and dragon represent the earth and sky and protect the Buddhist teachings that would be stored inside this scroll.