A GOLD LACQUER INRO OF TWO RATS BY REIBOKU AFTER SHIOMI MASANARI
Gold lacquer inroJapanlate 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: ‘The Index of Inro Aritsts’, Edward Wrangham, 1995, p. 208A sensitive depiction of two rats on a fundame ground lacquered in silver sumie togidashi. This design is exclusively known by the celebrated artist Shiomi Masanari. The inro is signed Goyo onmakieshi (official maki-e Lacquerers), Reiboku ga (painted by Reiboku) with kao. Meaning this was an official maki-e lacquerer to the shogunate at the beginning of the Edo period.HEIGHT 7 CM, WIDTH 6 CMCondition: Signs of age and use to the lacquer surfaceProvenance: Edward Wrangham collection no. 2032, acquired in 1991 at Christie’s, LondonAuction comparison: For an inro with the same design by Shiomi Masanari see Christie’s, The Japanese Aesthetic, London, 15 May 2013, lot 392.