By Hozan, Taisho (1912-1926) or Showa (1926-1989) era, early/mid-20th century Each duck naturalistically modelled and inlaid in flat relief of gold, silver and shakudo, the male with details on its head reticulated and forming the cover, signed on the base with chiselled characters Hozan saku, 8.5cm x 14cm (3 3/8in x 5½in); its mate with her head resting in its plumage, signed on the base with a kao, 4cm x 9cm (1½in x 3½in); with a wood storage box inscribed Shibuichi-kin zogan Oshidori kogo (Shibuichi and gold inlaid incense boxes in the shape of mandarin ducks) on the lid, inside the lid signed Kato Hozan saku with an inscription indicating these items were presented to Mr and Mrs Shimoyama for their Kinkonshiki (50th wedding anniversary) in Atami. (5).