A PAIR OF BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER CHOSHI (SAKE EWERS) AND COVERS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each of circular section, supported on three knop feet, with a flat cover, short spout, and loop handle, bearing a lustrous roiro ground finely decorated in predominantly gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with kirikane and e-nashiji to depict ho-o birds and leafy branches, the handle and spout decorated with leafy scrolling vines, the interiors of brown lacquer. HEIGHT 17.2 cm and 17.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and expected minor age cracks. Provenance: Dutch collection. With the original wood storage box with an old Japanese label. Auction comparison: Compare a related sake ewer, erroneously described as a yuto (a hot-water ewer), dated late 19th century, Meiji period, 25 cm high, at Christie`s, 8 November 2006, London, lot 115 ( sold for 2,400 GBP ).