Jushu

A burlwood pipe case decorated with two trails of ants making their way towards a dip created by a natural blemish in the wood, suggesting a nest beneath. Magnification reveals the lacquering to be finely detailed, the insects’ bodies lacquered in black, the limbs and antennae minutely painted in brown lacquer, which is also used to band their bodies. The accompanying textured leather tobacco pouch is fitted with a kanemono of a bat in flight, the metal ojime with a design of gold lotus flowers.