KAIKO: A FINE INLAID KUROGAKI KISERUZUTSU WITH PERSIMMON By Kaiko, signed Kaiko 槐光 Japan, late 19th century The black persimmon wood pipe case of muso-zutsu type, carved in high relief with a foliate persimmon branch embellished with several inlaid gold and silver dewdrops. The tree's fruits and flowers are inlaid in copper and silver respectively. The top piece carved with a fluid calligraphy Hyakuji nyoi 百事如意, which may be translated as “One hundred things come true as you wish”. The rim lined in shibuichi and set with a cord attachment in the form of an eyelet. Signed KAIKO within a shibuichi rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 23 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and a small age crack. Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 19 September 2000, New York, lot 67 (sold for 2,350 USD). The artist is listed in Wrangham (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 107.