MEIJI-TAISHO PERIOD (EARLY 20TH CENTURY), SIGNED ITO KATSUHIDE KINKOKU (CARVED BY ITO KATSUHIDE)

In Shinto belief, hemp symbolize sanctity and purity and play very important role. Often seen during the ritual ceremony at shrines, sacred staff with paper streamers (nusa) and the garments for Imperial Enthronement rituals are known to be made out of hemp.
Ito Katsuhide was a metalworker active in Tokyo from Meiji to Showa period, apprenticed to the great metal artist, Unno Shomin (1844-1915) for 5 years from 1890. He participated in many exhibitions, including the 1900 International Exposition held in Paris and the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition held in London.