By Hayashi Chikayuki/Shuko and Tomomasa, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Each vase with an ivory body carved in varying degrees of relief with a continuous scene depicting peasants engaged in different stages of rice cultivation, the shoulders and foot of silver inlaid with formal scrolling foliage in coloured enamels, the shoulders mounted on each side with a dragon handle; signed on the body with chiselled signature Chikayuki/Shuko with a seal Hayashi for the ivory carving and on the base within gold-lacquer reserve Tomomasa for the metalwork. Each vase: 24.5cm (9 5/8in) high. (2).