Hardwood whist marker decorated on the front with flowers in gold lacquer. The ivory keys are inlaid with a moth, beetles, and a chick. One key with a green insect is made in the true ‘Shibayama’ tradition and stands out from the other keys which are rather simple. This makes us believe that the ivory keys of some Japanese lacquer whist markers were made independently from their bodies and that the maker could choose from a whole range of subjects in different qualities. Many lacquered Japanese whist markers survive until this day and most of them were apparently made to meet a growing demand as many of the later ones, how nice they may look at first glance, are clearly not as detailed as some of the earlier ones (See for instance Quick Find 2740, 2773 and 2866). This one was made during the end of the Meiji period (1868 – 1912). It was found in England. Length 9.1 cm. Width 4.9 cm. Depth 0.9 cm.