A rare, hexagonal koro with domed lid surmounted by a silver and shakudo hawk upon rockwork splashed by silver waves. Six masterfully carved silver and shibuichi phoenix balance upon the shoulders, accentuating the superb Shibayama work on the body. The two famed makers of this masterpiece have signed the piece individually: Ozeki Yahei, with a silver plaque under the lid and Shinryo MasamasaShinryo Masamasa on one of the panels in a red lacquer, inlaid plaque bordered by mother-of-pearl. Original carved and reticulated wood stand intricately detailed. Height with stand, 16.5". Meiji Period.

(N.B. For a similar work signed Shinryo and Ozeki in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, see “The Toshiba Gallery,” No. 190.)