A lacquer four-case inro
By Tatsuke Toshihide after a design by Maruyama Okyo, 19th century
The mura-nashiji ground lacquered in gold hiramakie, togidashi and e-nashiji with a continuous design of five crayfish, the interior of plain roiro lacquer, signed beneath the crayfish in stylised script Okyo with seal Okyo, the bottom case signed Toshihide with seal Tokei; with glass bead ojime. 7.2cm (2 13/16in).
The mura-nashiji ground lacquered in gold hiramakie, togidashi and e-nashiji with a continuous design of five crayfish, the interior of plain roiro lacquer, signed beneath the crayfish in stylised script Okyo with seal Okyo, the bottom case signed Toshihide with seal Tokei; with glass bead ojime. 7.2cm (2 13/16in).
Sold for
£3,500
inc. premium
Footnotes
- 蝲蛄図蒔絵印籠 銘「寿秀 東渓（方印）」「應挙 應挙（方印）」 19世紀
Provenance: purchased from Spink and Son Ltd., London, 1994.
Wrangham collection, no.2060.
The crayfish is associated with longevity and good fortune and as such items decorated with this symbol are especially popular at New Year. Their form is thought to resemble the bending of the human frame in old age. The implied message in their depiction is to wish the owner or the recipient a prosperous long life.
Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art
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