BAT MOBIL

Tsuri-gōro or hanging incense burner in the form of a flying bat with out-stretched wings. Of cast and cold-chiseled bronze, with a bronze chain. Signed on the reverse with a chiseled signature by the artist: Yamashiro. Edo period, early 19th century.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Kōmori Tsuri O-gōro or Bat (Form) Hanging Incense Burner; and on the reverse of the lid signed: Okamashi Yamashiro orKettle Caster Yamashiro, and sealed:Yamashiro.

The exterior of the box bears a paper label which reads: Karakane Kōmori Tsuri-gōro or Bronze Bat (Form) Hanging Incense Burner.

Inside the box is a paper auction document inscribed: 83 Yen, Heizandō, with a round seal: Urikireor Sold; and dated:Shōwa Yon Nen Jū-gatsu, Jū-yon-ka, Makino-ke Kanju Shōgun Shozōhin Nyūsatsu Fudamoto Itō Heizandō or Shōwa (era) 4th Year (1929), October 14th, Sale of General Kanju of the Makino Family’s Collection (by) Itō Heizandō (Auction House). Itō Heizandō was located in Ryōgoku, Tokyo.

Made to suspend in a tokonoma alcove, this sleek, stylized bat would have been seen flying through incense as if through evening clouds.

1 ¾” high x 13 3/8” wide x 3 3/8” long