EGGPLANTS LOVERS

Pair of kogo or incense containers in the form of nasubi or eggplants, one with a salamander in relief and one with a snail. Of uchidashi or hammered iron. One signed on the reverse of the box with the snail with a chiseled signature by the artist: Myochin Muneyoshi (Myochin Muneyoshi, died before 1781, per Robert E. Haynes' The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, volume 2, page 1244), and the other ornamented with a salamander signed on the reverse with a chiseled signature by the artist: Myochin Norimune Ason . Edo Period, mid 18th century.

2" high x 5" x 2.75", kogo with salamander. 2" high x 4.25" x 2 5/8", kogo with snail.