AN UNUSUAL JAPANESE BAMBOO SAKE BOTTLE

AN UNUSUAL JAPANESE BAMBOO SAKE BOTTLE, TOKURI

MEIJI 1868-1912

Modelled as a cylindrical water bucket and carved with magnolia buds and flowers, with calligraphy and three seal marks to the side and a painted inscription underneath reading 'Made by Rodo from a pattern designed by Sodo', 27cm.

Provenance: from the collection of Professor J Norman Collie, FRS (1859-1942) and thence by descent.

See Sotheby's London, 19th-20th March 1990, lot 123, for a related sake bottle carved as a water bucket with a fish and terrapin amongst lotus leaves.

The inscription underneath may refer to a woodblock print designed by Kawarazaki Shodo (1889-1973).