JAPAN - MEIJI period (1868 - 1912) Set of eight yatate : - one in brass and copper, the inkwell in the shape of a gourd in its foliage. The branch-shaped handle holds a brush. Signed Koseki (?). L. 16.5 cm. - one in bronze, the inkwell decorated with an archaistic frieze on the body and a dragon on the lid. The handle, made of wavy bronze wires forming apertures, holds a brush. Signed Natsusetsudo sei. L. 19 cm. - one in copper and white or silver metal, the inkwell forming a book (titled Taiheiki, "Chronicles of the Great Peace"), opening through the cover. The handle contains a brush. Signed Naniwa Baitetsu. L. 17.4 cm. - one in brass, the inkwell with cover inlaid in silver taka zogan with a crescent moon and chased plum branch. The handle contains a brush. Unsigned. L. 17 cm. - one in silver-plated brass, the inkwell hanging from one of the hinged links and the lid and base chased with a flower. Unsigned. L. 15 cm. - one in patinated bronze, the inkwell forming an uchiwa with cloisonné decoration on the lid with the inscription "Tenka Teihei" ("Universal Peace"). A chased rope wraps around the handle. L. 19 cm - one in black lacquer imitating leather, decorated in hira maki-e with môn. Unsigned. L. 19 cm. Missing, small cracks. - one in metal with circular tank Unsigned. L. 16.5 cm. Depatinated. = Wear, scratches and a few bumps. ATTACHED: A bamboo brush, calligraphed in green. = Set of 9 pieces.