343: A MEIJI PERIOD HIGH KARAT GOLD OJIME MODELED AS HOTEI

The solid gold Japanese ojime figure of Hotei (or in Chinese mythology 'Budai'), one of the Shichifukujin or Seven Gods of Good Fortune, is signed Noriyasu by hand engraved calligraphy on the base.
Measures 0.75 x 0.5 inches, 19.49 x 14.94 mm, and weighs 12.8 grams.
Very good condition, there are no issues of damage, repair or wear.
Provenance: The collection of Josephine Bird Hall (1888 - 1948) by descent to her son, the present owner. Josephine's father was a founder of Kansas City's Emery, Bird, Thayer Department Store.
$1,500 - $2,000