An embellished antique pipe case; soft cream-gold color, bas relief carving and engraving with sumi, satin finish with burnished areas, worn through at the porous larger end. Depicting various auspicious symbols including a pine tree with birds, blossoming peonies, an old man with a baby protected by a young woman warrior carrying a fan, a bow and a sword. Although the exact story is not known, women warriors and archers are lauded in Japanese history with endless tales of their military prowess and courageous exploits.

One such warrior, the legendary Tomoe Gozen, is described thus: Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swords-woman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot. She handled unbroken horses with superb skill; she rode unscathed down perilous descents. Whenever a battle was imminent, Yoshinaka sent her out as his first captain, equipped with strong armor, an oversized sword, and a mighty bow; and she performed more deeds of valor than any of his other warriors.

Private Collection