A FINE FOUR-CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAYS BY KOMA KORYU
Lacquer, gold and inro with mother-of-pearl inlaysJapanlate 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A four-case inro, masterfully crafted and decorated with a kujaku (peacock), symbolizing beauty and dignity as well as serving as an emblem of the deity Kujaku Myo-o, and supposedly a remedy against snake bites. The dignified is represented very well on this inro, with the peacock’s magnificent tail spread over the entire reverse, inlaid with mother-of-pearl in different colours. The bird is next to a blooming sakura (cherry) tree. Takamaki-e with gold, also gold nashiji, on the interior and exterior. Signature KOMA KORYU saku (made by). This artist is one of the most eminent of the very large Koma clan of lacquer masters, which was founded in the 17th century.LENGTH 7.3 CMCondition: Good conditionProvenance: English private collection