A four-case inro of lacquer and wood, lacquered with moon amid clouds, maple leaves in rain 19th century
283
Shibata Zeshin
A rare lacquer and kiri-wood four-case inro
By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji Period
One side of light, unstained wood, lacquered in grey and silver relief with the crescent moon among swirling clouds, the other side of roiro lacquer, with falling maple leaves in a shower of rain rendered in gold togidashi, signed Zeshin.
8.2cm (3¼in).
Sold for £66,000 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • 月夜夜雨図蒔絵印籠　銘「是真」　明治時代

    Provenance: F.A. Richards collection, purchased at Sotheby's London, 1963.
    Wrangham collection, no.236.

    Published: E.A.Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists, 1995, p.346, Zeshin, top row, left.

    The subtle and unobtrusive composition is not only an extremely refined example of the art of 'shibui' but also a testament to the remarkable artistic and technical prowess of its maker. Originally a Muromachi period term, this is a typically Japanese concept with nuances of meaning which defy precise translation. In a sense shibui is the notion of the artist's ability to convey, in a most perceptive and elegant manner and by great economy of means, the essence of what he wishes to depict and it is aptly demonstrated on the inro presented here by Zeshin.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

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Suzannah Yip Bonhams
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London, W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
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FaxFax: +44 20 7495 5251
Specialist - Japanese Art