Morita Soko (1879-1943)

An uncut seal (inzai) in the form of a peony bloom, the soft petals opening softly to reveal the stamen. To the back, a plump peony bud awaits its turn to blossom, foliage wilting gently to one side.

The tomobako box inscription: top of the lid “Botan 牡丹” [Peony], on the back of the lid “白檀印材根付、昭和己巳早月、藻己作 with red square seal 藻己” — “Byakudan inzai netsuke, Showa tsuchinoto-mi satsuki, Soko saku” [Made by Soko, in the fifth month (May) of Showa 4 (1929), made of the byakudan wood used for carving/creating seals (stamps)].

Signed: Soko
Height: 3.6cm

PROVENANCE:
HIH Princess Takamado collection