Pipe case depicting geese amid reeds c. 1890s

This Japanese pipe case, crafted by Nohara Teimei in the late 19th century, showcases the artistry of *shibayama* (lacquer and metal inlay) with a delicate design of a goose amidst reeds. The intricate details of the bird and surrounding foliage are rendered in gold and silver on a rich brown lacquer ground, highlighting the skill of the artist and the elegance of the *shibayama* technique. This small yet exquisite piece, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to the enduring beauty of Japanese decorative arts.