Shibayama Shell-inlaid Maki-e Vase and CoverShibayama Shell-inlaid Maki-e Vase and CoverJapan, Meiji period, slightly flattened bulbous form, with two metalwork dragon handles to sides, the body decorated with bird-and-flower designs in inlaid shells, silver-rimmed, the domed cover topped with a silverwork floral spray, illegible mark in a rectangular shell cartouche on base, with carved wood stand,ht.12 3/8 overall, vase ht. 11, wd. 8, dp. 5 in. Provenance: The estate of Milton Drexel Rutherford; by descent to the present owner.