Two kinchaku (purses)


Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th centuryThe first constructed of vertical parallel bamboo strips bound together with horizontal bands of rattan, the upper section leather decorated with a stitched design of maple leaves and with a silvered metal hinged closure, fitted with a wood bead ojime and a stag-horn ryusa-style netsuke; the second constructed from a section of coconut shell carved in relief with an oxherd playing a flute by a waterfall, the front applied with an expandable pouch and flap closure of tooled "Dutch-style" leather decorated with cranes and pine trees, fitted with an amber bead ojime and a section of narwhal tusk applied with a gilt metal hollyhock crest (2) 4 1/2in (11.6cm) wide, the largest