A RARE LACQUER AND MIXED METAL KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF AN ACTOR TYING A POEM SLIP TO A CHERRY TREEUnsignedJapan, late 19th centuryThe shibuichi disc set into a splendid gold-lacquered bowl bearing a lustrous kinji ground and lacquered in gold and silver takamaki-e with a blossoming cherry tree, the disc worked in takazogan with highlights of silver and gold depicting an actor in the role of samurai and tying a poem slip to a cherry tree. Central himotoshi through the back, the cord attachment within.DIAMETER 3.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor wear to the shibuichi disc and tiny losses to gold lacquer bowl.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell, sold at Sotheby's, Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 21 March 2001, New York, lot 153.