Ebonized boxwood, exquisitely carved to create a scoop for leaf tea. More than that, it's an okimono ("object for display") intended to be viewed and admired.

The delicacy of the carving makes this particularly beautiful, with the tiny frogs and the curled edges of the leaf. And the masterful ebonizing reveals natural boxwood highlights suggesting dappled sunlight.

This is signed by the artist on the underside.

Minor chips, mainly on the leaf edge) which could be touched up, if desired. Please examine photos.

Measures about 4'' x 2.25'' x 1.25''

Because this sculpture is very dark, I've taken a couple of photos in bright sunlight to show its true color.