Here our musicians have
symbols inscribed with the character for "Good Fortune", a bamboo flute,
and two taiko-style stick drums: a large barrel drum (which displays intricate
wood-grain detail) and a small hand-held drum. The musicians' kimonos and costumes
each have unique textile designs etched into the ivory. The soles of their slippers
have finely differentiated treads. A book and a scrolled mat complete the processional
regalia.
The
artist of the piece, Hosunsai Masayuki is recorded and is considered a master,
a genius by authoritative netsuke writer Neil K Davey. The artist's signature
plate is etched in red coral at the bottom of the drum in a raised square reserve.
(SD)
