Antique Japanese Stag Antler Tsutsu
Kiseruzutsu
Floral Motif Pipe case
Signature: not translated, 19th Century
H 8 in.(20cm), W 1.5 in.(3cm), D 1.5 in.(3cm)
Condition: excellent!

In Japan, the pipecase (or tsutusu) was one of Edo gentlemen’s essential accouterments along with his netsuke. The Japanese pipe case is made to specifically hold the kiseru, a long stemmed and tiny bowl pipe that holds no more than three-puffs of tobacco. This 19th century stag horn tsutsu is beautifully formed from the natural stag horn. The artist has gracefully synthesized the natural grain of the horn with highly detailed carving: A beautifully embossed leaf and angled branch holds a bursting pod. The pipecase is embellished with a tassel and a carnelian. This tsutsu is in excellent condition and is signed with seal mark by the artist. (SD)

Sold to Private Collection