MATETSU 磨鉄A slender black-coral scepter Japan, Meiji era (1868–1912), late 19th century|Carved in umikaramatsu (black coral) as a branch of reishi fungus, the stem incised with an inscription signed Chokunyū koji dai 直入居士題 (Inscribed by Chokunyū the recluse), and signed Matetsu tsukuru 磨鉄造 (Made by Matetsu) for the carvingWith a modern Japanese wooden storage box 16 1/8in (40.8cm) long