A VERY RARE SEVEN-CASE INRO WITH TWO SHISHI BY GYOKUSAI TACHIBANA MASAMITSUBy Gyokusai Tachibana Masamitsu, wood inro with lacquer and goldJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A rare seven-case gold lacquer inro by the rare and celebrated artist Gyokusai Tachibana Masamitsu. Both sides show a snarling shishi in takamaki-e, with flaming manes and tails chasing each other; the eyes beautifully inlaid. Gold nashiji on the interior of all cases. Signature GYOKUSAI TACHIBANA MASAMITSU and red kao on the underside. The lacquer artist is predominantly known as Gyokusai.The metal ojime has an elongated ovoid shape, is signed and shows a peony blossom in takabori.INRO HEIGHT 9.5 CM, OJIME LENGTH 2.5 CMCondition: Fine condition with expected wear and surface scratchesProvenance: American private collectionAuction comparison: For another by this rare artist see Christie's, Oriental Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 8 June 2000, lot 3.