Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as a half-peeled tangerine with the orange-stained dimpled and cracked skin partially removed to reveal the white flesh underneath, with three fruit segments detached from the rest. An accomplished work at the very height of naturalistic fruit carving. Signed within an oval red lacquer reserve to the underside. HEIGHT 4.4 cm, LENGTH 9 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection. Auction comparison: For a related okimono, though unsigned and of arguably lower quality, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 173 (sold for 4,000 GBP).