A finely carved bamboo cane. Allover decoration of fierce Samurai combat from The Tale of the Heike Samurai (from the larger context of The Tales of Genji.) Beginning from the top, two naval vessels laden with Samurai allude to the sea battle of Dan-no-ura where the Taira were vanquished by the Minamoto. The child emperor is shown in large proportion with the Minamoto general in smaller proportion. Other aspects of the tale can be seen with one Samurai carrying two severed heads - one in each arm, another samurai about to relieve his opponent of his head, two crabs with the faces of drowned Samurai - still in combat, and the famous Minamoto archer on horseback appears toward the end of the cane. The quality of carving compares well with good netsuke and okimono. It was a bit difficult to photograph as the design obviously wraps around. Two of our enlargements combine images to show some of the wrapped decoration (including the head trophies and the archer.) Condition is good but with the end cap missing (an easy, utilitarain replacement.) Minor chipping to the bamboo not unexpected and limited mostly to the end - where it should cover nicely. See enlargements. Length: 36 3/8 in (92.4 cm)

---