Brass fuchikashira signed "Gyoku-Unsai" with NBTHK Hozon Tosogu. This set might look like it was made of copper or suaka but according to NBTHK base material is "shinchu". It was polished so the surface has a beautifull glow that adds to color of patina.
Carved with sukidashi and taka bori. Decorated with copper and shakudo inlay. Some elements are gilded.
According to NBTHK this is Guan Liu and Red Hare that we can see on this set. Based on wikipedia "After Lü Bu's downfall and death at the Battle of Xiapi, the Red Hare comes into the possession of the warlord Cao Cao. Cao Cao gives it to Guan Yu later in an attempt to influence Guan Yu to join him. After Guan Yu's death, Ma Zhong (馬忠) takes the Red Hare and presents it to his lord Sun Quan. Sun Quan returns the horse to Ma Zhong. The Red Hare starves itself and dies several days later.".
I am not sure if this makes a lot of sense. So might this actually be Liu Biu with his horse?
Size:
Fuchi: 39 mm x 24 mm x 15 mm
Kashira: 34 mm x 21 mm x 10 mm
