A SMALL JAPANESE MIXED METAL BOX MEIJI 1868-1912 The circular lid decorated with a roof tile modelled as a shachihoko, with Mount Fuji in the distance, the sides with tall grasses and flowers, signed Toshimasa/Toshitada, 4.7cm. (2) A shachihoko is a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. These fearsome sea monsters are often used as ornaments on Japanese rooftops to protect buildings against fire.