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Fine Japanese Inro with Maki-e and Inlay by Shokasai and Shibayama

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A Japanese four-case inro stringed together with a silk cord of a carved wood Ojime and a carved ivory netsuke circa 19th century of Edo period. This fine piece was made in collaboration between members of Shokasai and Shibayama lineages, specialists in lacquer and inlay work respectively and it is signed as such.
The inro has a smooth rectangular form with rounded corners with a solid gold background. On one side, there stands Jurojin, a member of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods. He is the incarnation of the south pole star and symbol of longevity. Donning a flowing robe in ancient style, the beard old man is holding a branch of magical peaches, the fruits that grant immortality. In front of him crawls a minogame, a mythological turtle with extraordinary age. The face of Jurojin and the peach blossom petals are fine ivory inlays while the peaches are coral. The figure itself was decorated in fine hiramaki-e, complemented with kirigane on the attire. The other side of the Inro features a seated Fukurokuju, another member of group, the god of luck, wealth and longevity. The deity holds a red bowl (coral inlay) to receive the liquor from an attendant, who pours from a green ewer (jade inlay). Interestingly, Fukurikuju was rendered in a typical Samurai attire completed with a sword. The boy attendant appears to be mortal with his typical Edo-period hairdo and outfit. The free-flowing mixture between the mythological and vernacular figures was quite interesting in Japanese art, revealing the folky aspect of incorporating mythology and religion into daily life. Connected by a silk cord, the ojime is a carved wood figure of Ebisu holding a fish. He is also a member of the seven lucky gods, the god of prosperity and patron god of fishermen. The netsuke is a large bone piece in the form of Jurojin, holding a basket of peaches on one hand and a branch of peaches on the other. This matches the deign on the Inro well.
The inro is signed on the bottom as shown. Maki-e signature Shokasai and an MOP plaque with Shibayama.
This piece cannot be shipped out of United States.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Lacquer wood, bone, ivory, coral, jade
Condition:	Good. Fine condition with minimal age-related wear only a minute ding on the bottom surface as shown.
Creation Date:	19th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	835364

Dimensions

W.	1.8 in;	H.	3.5 in;	D.	0.5 in;
W.	4.57 cm;	H.	8.89 cm;	D.	1.27 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.