Tray in an oval form ornamented in deep relief with two pairs of bats flying towards a single large bat above, amid light trailing clouds that trail around the rim. Carved of keiyaki (zelkova) wood with a lacquer finish. Signed on the reverse with a carved signature in a round reserve by the artist: Yuho (Shochikusai Yuho or Shochikusai Shudo, the go or art names of Ichikawa Manjiro, 1868 – 1936). Late Meiji – Taisho era, circa 1900 – 1926.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Go Fuku Tenrai Ko-bon or Five Lucky (Bats) From Heaven Incense Tray, and sealed twice; and on the reverse of the lid signed by the artist: Shochikusai Yuho Saku or Made by Shochikusai Yuho, and sealed: Yuho.

Ichikawa Shudo was the eldest son of Ichikawa Sahei. The family was of samurai origins from Himeji. Shudo moved frequently, residing at Mikimachi, Tokyo, and at the end of his life in Akashi. His grave is at Keifukuji in Himeji. He made elegant trays for sencha tea ceremony. Omura Unkoku was his pupil.