By Sekisei, Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Carved with elegant simplicity, flicking its tail with its long whiskers resting over its back, its fins folded over its sides forming a compact composition, a loose ring on the reverse for suspension; signed on the reverse with carved characters Kinoe-tatsu fuyubi Sekisei tsukuru (Made by Sekisei on a winter's day in the year of kinoe-tatsu [1844 or 1904]). 68.5cm (27in) long.