349: A MEIJI PERIOD HIGH KARAT GOLD OJIME MODEL OF BENTEN

The solid gold ojime figure of Benzaiten, Japanese Buddhist goddess of eloquence, and one of the Shichifukujin or Seven Gods of Good Fortune, is embellished with black enamel inlays and signed Noriyasu by hand engraved calligraphy on the base.
Measures 0.75 x 0.5 inches, 18.31 x 14.59 mm, and weighs 8.7 grams.
Very good condition, there are no issues of damage, repair, enamel loss 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.
$1,000 - $1,500