Writing Box ‘Praying Mantis on an Eggplant’, Uematsu Hōbi (attributed to), c. 1905 - c. 1920
wood (plant material), l 21.5cm × w 18.2cm × h 4.3cm More details
A large praying mantis perches on a delectable, shiny eggplant. The insect is alert and looks us straight in the eye. The restrained inside of the writing box is chic, and the gold colour contrasts with the black exterior. Scattered around are floating wreaths of water caltrop leaves. The water-dropper is decorated with a gourd plant.
