A magnificent Japanese Meiji period carved bamboo staff. This piece of bamboo is thick, over 3.5" wide, with a glass-eyed snake wrapped around the shaft. The top is surmounted with a magnificent detailed skull. This is a superb piece of carving utilizing the natural hollows of the bamboo to form the skull’s eye sockets and nasal cavities. The bamboo is sizeable – easily as thick as my forearm – take note of the scale of the skull in comparison to my hand holding it, and has a brass cap on the bottom.  Late 19th century Meiji period. Some minor age checking along the shaft, otherwise good. See additional photos.

Dimensions: 35"x3.5"