A VERY RARE FOUR-CASE LACQUER AND SHIBAYAMA INRO... Lot n° 169

Lacquer inro with gold, ivory and inlays Japan early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A four-case inro with dense gold ikakeji all around. The Seven Lucky Gods are individually depicted in takamaki-e and with inlays in circular reserves. The side with three of the gods shows – from top to bottom – Bishamon in armor, Daikoku with his lucky hammer and Fukurokuju with the elongated head, god of wealth and long life. The other side shows four gods, starting at the top with Benten, followed by Ebisu with the tai (seabream), god of fishermen, then Hotei with a fan and a large, protruding belly and finally Jurojin, god of wisdom, with his shika (deer). An overall very fine work by two artists; the lacquer work by Kakosai and the carving by Tounsai. All faces are carved and inlaid in ivory, horn or mother-of-pearl. Gold nashiji on the interior of the cases. The round ojime, signed Shozan, shows all shichifukujin with their heads. The high, bald head of fukurokuju, the female Benten and Bishamon with his warrior helmet are particularly striking. Signed with red lacquer SHOZAN. Similar ojime by this artist are known. Signed KAKOSAI SHOZAN in gold lacquer on the underside, with red seal, and engraved on mother-of-pearl inlay TOUNSAI. Kakosai Shozan, predominantly known by the latter name, is considered one of the most talented inro artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. INRO HEIGHT 9.1 CM, OJIME HEIGHT 1.8 CM Condition: Good condition with minor wear to lacquer and one possible restoration to inlay Provenance: German private collection Auction comparison: For an inro with the same design by Kakosai Shozan, however without the shibayama style inlay by Tounsai see Christie’s, Japanese Art & Design, London, 4. November 2009, lot 114.