Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, early 20th centuryOne rodent perched on the tasselled handle, a second rodent standing on its hind legs towards the top of the mallet, signed on the reverse of the handle with chiselled characters in tensho script possibly reading Anatsu, Tanamura. 17.5cm x 33cm (7 7/8in x 13in).