Beschreibung:

By Nakamura Baikei, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Intricately decorated in enamels and gilt, the body with six recessed lobed panels, each depicting a different scene bordered by geometric motifs within swirling wave patterns alternating with superimposed brocade ogi open fans, comprising (1) armour-clad warriors confronting a samurai outside a mansion (2) karako (Chinese boys) playfully surrounding Jurojin and Bishamonten (3) Chinese scholars and karako being ferried across the lake under a full moon (4) warrior and retinue hauling a large bell over water (5) family visiting a shrine (6) two passengers on a ferryboat being poled towards Mount Fuji; complemented by six raised petals encircling the neck, each enclosing a different figural scene, comprising mainly children (1) performing the Kagura dance (2) entertained by a puppeteer (3) carrying on their shoulders a rice bale in imitation of a palanquin (4) assisting an artisan at his trade (5) playing hide-and-seek (6) a tradesman carrying three paper lanterns attached to the top of a pole; the shoulder with three writhing dragons rendered in enhanced white, red and gilt enamels, the neck with fronds of elaborate jewels extending from the rim beneath a band of floral motifs enclosed within shield panels; signed on the base Nakamura Baikei zo with a gilt seal beside a long attestation and self-congratulatory inscription within a kettle-shaped cartouche. 12cm x 10.1cm (4¾in x 4in).