† HOKKYO SESSAI: AN EXTREMELY RARE BAMBOO ZUSHI... Lot n° 42

† HOKKYO SESSAI: AN EXTREMELY RARE BAMBOO ZUSHI (PORTABLE SHRINE) WITH STAG ANTLER MOUNTS By Hokkyo Shima Sessai (1820-1879), signed Sessai Japan, Echizen, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of oval section, raised on three incised T-form feet, the mounts of stag antler, the hinged doors carved with rectangular panels enclosing a foliate cross design with a stylized flowerhead in stag antler in the center, below swirling clouds, the interiors of the doors incised with dragon roundels above a cross-hatched panel. The front of the zushi is further carved with scrolling vines and angular scroll continuing over to the reverse, the doors framed by key-fret borders, below two confronting baku. The reverse signed SESSAI within a stag antler-inlaid rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 17 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few tiny natural age cracks, few minuscule nicks. Provenance: British collection. Hokkyo Shima Sessai (1820-1879) was an excellent carver who earned the honorary title of Hokkyo during his lifetime and served the lord of the Echizen clan. His work is scarce as he died at a relatively young age. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.