An ivory okimono group of the three sake testers
By Ichiyusai Munetoshi/Soju, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryConsisting of Shaka (The historical Buddha), Koshi (Confucius) and Roshi (Laozi) standing around a large jar filled with sake, all fixed on a simulated rocky base, the jar boldly carved with a rain dragon writhing among clouds, each figure with a finger raised to their chin; the base signed Ichiyusai Munetoshi/Soju with a kao. 15cm (5 7/8in) high.