Meiji Period. The exterior in dark natural wood with brown gnarled branches with buds in the same shade producing an overall underwhelming presentation. Japanese manners required that a guest compliment the host on the bowl before opening it. In this case, the effect leaves the guest at a loss for compliments, but when opened, a beautiful mountain scene with Fuji in the background is revealed. Classic Japanese humor! 3/8” crack to the edge of the bowl, otherwise fine with bright true gold. 4 ½” diameter.
