A rare Hirado 'elephant' koro and cover
Edo/Meiji PeriodThe caparisoned elephant striding forwards with the head turned to the right, wearing an elaborate saddle cloth, relief decorated with shishi masks above confronting dragons, the body adorned with jewellery and pendant tassels, the upper tiered gallery with dragon corner flanges flanking reticulated floral and phoenix panels, supporting three seated boys playing musical instruments. 30.5cm (12in) high.