Kiseru pipe with a motif of a nekotor - a black cat - and its keeper

A 19th century kiseru complete with an inro container for tobacco and a special case (kiseruzutsu). The kiseru is a traditional Japanese tobacco pipe consisting of three main parts:
Gankubi: this is the metal head of the pipe, in which finely cut tobacco called kizami is placed. In this case, it is made of partially silver-plated brass decorated with carvings in the form of pine branches.
Rau: is the stem of the pipe, connecting the gankubi to the mouthpiece. It is made of bamboo, which gives the pipe a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Rau also acts as a natural filter, absorbing some of the tar while smoking.
Suikuchi: This is the mouthpiece through which the smoker inhales the smoke. It is made of the same material as the gankubi and is decorated with an image of a nekotor, which is a black-and-white cat, with its coat resembling a tiger, scampering among the pine trees. In the background is the figure of a caretaker dressed in traditional garb, who calls out to the cat with a gesture. Both figures are bas-relief in silver.
The kiseruzutsu (pipe storage case) is made of wood, while the tonkotsu (tobacco container) is hollowed out of a coconut shell.
The whole thing is in very good condition, although it bears signs of use. It is serviceable.
Dimensions:
Length of the pipe : 20 cm
Length of kiseruzutsu : 21 cm
Dimension of tonkotsu : 7.5 x 5.8 x 4.2 cm
Author: unknown
Dating : 1880