JAPANESE BAMBOO SKULL-CARVED STAFF -- 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.  
35”x3.5”