Japanese Menuki Pair Sword Fitting Heian Flute Player & Thief Edo period (18th–19th) Gilt LS194 Sake Made with old world craftsmanship

Made with old world craftsmanship with wooden pin lap joint construction

This vase is 5 7/8" tall by 3" in diameter (15 x 7

The figure is powerfully modeled with a muscular human torso

a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years

While the insert references Raku

Japanese Menuki Pair Sword Fitting Heian Flute Player & Thief Edo period (18th–19th) Gilt LS194 Sake Made with old world craftsmanshipThis matched pair of menuki presents a vivid narrative scene drawn from a well known Heian era tale. One figure, a flute player in richly patterned robes and tall cap, walks in calm dignity while playing his instrument. The second figure, depicted in shorter garments with weapon at his side, leans forward in motion, representing a thief trailing behind him. According to the story, the thief intended to rob the musician but was overcome by the beauty