A RARE JAPANESE STAG ANTLER SCROLL CASE FOR A BUDDHIST SUTRA WITH DRAGON AND TIGERStag antler with roller ends made of dark horn Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The case in the form of a scroll, openable in the middle, with the roller ends inlaid in dark horn. Depicted is a celestial dragon, finely carved amidst clouds, the scales and fierce expression particularly detailed. Below the dragon is a tiger snarling at the dragon, naturalistically carved with sprays of waves around him. They represent the earth and sky and are protecting the Buddhist teachings that would be stored inside the scroll. The antler has been carved with great skill, almost simulating ivory. Shape: Scroll shapedDimensions: Length 16 cmCondition: Very good condition, one tiny age crack, a minor imperfection around the edge of the opening and a tiny chip on the edgeProvenance: Austrian private collection