TOSHIYAMA SOKO: A FINE WOOD KISERUZUTSU, WITH LEATHER POUCH AND ENAMEL OJIME By Toshiyama Soko (1868–1935), signed Soko 藻晃 with kakihan Japan, Osaka, c. 1910, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of muso-zutsu type, the wood superbly polished and carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) to one side with a Gigaku mask below an inscription: 東大寺所蔵伎楽面 ("A Gigaku mask in the collection at the Todaiji temple"). The back of the case carved with a sculpture of Daruma and an inscription next to it: 西来 毒湛和尚遺愛石 ("A stone in a shape of Daruma which was cherished by Priest Dokutan"). The fine wood polished to a high degree and the cord attachment in the form of an eyelet near the rim. Together with an enamel ojime and tobacco pouch (tabako-ire) crafted from leather and with a gold and silver kanamono (pouch fitting) depicting Daikoku holding a large radish. To the inside of the pouch the fitting is engraved with an arrow and a paper stream bearing the inscription "大当り" meaning "Just spot on" and the signature MITSUHIRO 光弘 (a famous metalworker and maker of kanamono). HEIGHT 21.5 cm (the pipe), LENGTH 12.5 cm (the pouch) Condition: The case in very good condition with minimal surface wear. The pouch with wear and some typical crackling. Provenance: European collection. The Todaiji temple is located in Nara and is home to a large collection of Gigaku masks, the inspiration for this pipe case. The Priest Toyoda Dokutan (1840–1917), a Rinzai Zen priest who was the 322nd abbot of Nanzenji Temple (Kyoto) and 590th abbot of Myoshinji Temple (Kyoto).