An inlaid black lacquer four-case inro By Jitokushi Keigai, early 19th century
240*
An inlaid black lacquer four-case inro
By Jitokushi Keigai, early 19th century
Bearing a roiro ground, lacquered in green and gold takamakie and executed in multi-coloured ceramic techniques, with a design of shells including kaki (oyster), hotategai (scallop), hamaguri (clam shell) and kinugasagai (periwinkle) lying among seaweed, the interior of rich nashiji; signed with ceramic seal Kei. 7cm (2¾in) high.
Estimate:
£10,000 - 15,000
JPY 1.6 million - 2.3 million
US$ 15,000 - 23,000

Footnotes

  • 貝図蒔絵楽焼付描印籠　銘「溪（陶器方印）」　19世紀前期

    Provenance: Maurice Feuillet collection.

    For an identical inro, where the piece was attributed to Ritsuo in the W. L. Behrens collection, see the Exhibition Catalogue by Henry L. Joly, no.1251, and for a somewhat similar example by Keigai, see Alain Ducros, Netsuke, Magie et Médecine, Monaco, 2006, p.334, fig.545.

    The tradition of still-life depiction of seashells is first encountered in Chinese painting during the Song dynasty (960-1279), and was later adopted in Japan during the Muromachi Period (1393-1570). The execution of these shells which actually make the inlays appear to be accurate true-life shells are reminiscent of the style of Ritsuo's follower Hanzan.

    The artist is recorded by E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists, p.122. Wrangham associates the artist with his contemporaries who were influenced in the early 19th century revival of interest in the classic style of the late 17th century.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

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