Q793. Shakudo menuki with gold inlay: 2.2 and 2.4 cm tall. This set is signed with a tanzaku-mei (on gold plates set into the backs of the menuki): Shozui. Shozui is a very important name. He was a student of Nara Toshinaga and the founder of the Hamano School. He was born in 1697 and died in 17 69.

These are the tiniest menuki I’ve ever had on my site; there is an amazing amount of detail in such a small space. I don’t know if the signature is true or not, so I’m pricing this accordingly. If it turns out to be correct, one of you will have scored large; a tsuba by Shozui sold for $46,200 in the 1st Compton auction.

This set comes in a box with pillow. Excellent condition. $695.