By Kashima Ikkoku II (1846-1925), signed IkkokusaiJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The seal, created for the European market, is worked in rich gold, silver, and copper takazogan depicting a bundle of straw with opulent flowers and birds. The silver attachment underneath is cut with a monogram.HEIGHT 8.1 cmWEIGHT 18.7 gCondition: Excellent condition with only very minimal wear.Provenance: French private collection. There are four generations of Kashima Ikkoku (Kajima Ikkoku); Ikkoku I, II, III and IV. This work is most likely by Ikkoku II (1846-1925). In a later generation Kashima Ikkoku IV (1899-1996) was appointed a Living National Treasure artist (Ningen Kokuho) in 1979.Auction comparison:Another work by this artist was sold at Christie's, The Japanese Aesthetic, 15 May 2013, London, lot 157 (sold for 37,500 GBP).