Japan, late Edo-early Meiji period, 19th century Black lacquered bamboo shakuhachi flute, pierced with five holes, consolidated by a metal tie wrapped around the top. (Wear, small cracks) Length: 57.7 cm Note: These ancestral flutes were mainly used by Zen Buddhist monks of the Fuke-shû order, who played the flute instead of practicing zazen (sitting meditation) and reciting the sutra. These flutes were considered religious instruments for meditation. These warrior-monks, also known as Komusô, wore reed hats that hid their faces, symbolizing their detachment from the world (see attached photo).

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.