AN ELEGANT FOUR-CASE INRO WITH GOLD MON
Lacquer and gold inro and hako netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A four-case inro with very elegant, black roironuri and decorative motifs in takamaki-e with bright gold. Both sides show the karabana mon, “Chinese Flower”, which has been a popular emblem of many aristocratic families since ancient times. The depiction of this karabana can be varied, as opposed to other mon that show flowers, it is important that the five flower petals have a round, outward protrusion in the center. Gold nashiji on the interior of the inro cases. Wood ojime.The en suite hako netsuke, in the shape of a casket, also shows these two versions of karabana in gold on black gleaming roironuri, but also a third version. Gold lacquer and himotoshi on the interior.INRO HEIGHT 8.4 CM, HAKO NETSUKE WIDTH 3.3 CMCondition: Good condition with expected wear. Chip to lacquer on one side. The hako netsuke in excellent condition.Provenance: British private collection