SUPERB 19C JAPANESE HIGH RELIEF GOLD LACQUER INRO SUITE

     For auction we have here a superbly done Japanese relief worked gold lacquer inro suite. This inro suite was produced in Japan during the Edo period and is of the highest quality. This 5 section inro is saturated with many different techniques of Japanese lacquer work in fine shades of gold with charcole highlights. The gold lacquer ground is called maki-e having both low relief built up lacquer hiramaki-e and in a high relief called takamaki-e depicting rockery, stems, flowers, ferns, leaves, vines, berries and so much more. The interior is a gold/orange lacquer called nashiji with some areas of hand applied tiny gold flakes called gyobu. The ojime is carved lacquer with a dragon on one side and a tiger to the other which has the cords going through the middle to tighten up to the inro case for keeping it closed snugly and the netsuke is just superb produced from stag antler and nicely carved into a figure called 'the traveler' showing great detail and age patina and color as well as even the 'travalers' hat being tattered on one side. The netsuke as shown can stand perfectly by itself which appears to be some accomplishment due to the fact that the feet are small to sturdy the tall netsuke. Condition is perfect on all three pieces having litterally no loss of lacquer to the inro as well as no chips, losses, cracks or repairs to the ojime or netsuke as well. Height of inro is 2-1/2" x Width 2" x Thickness 3/4", Ojime Diameter 5/8" and the Netsuke Height 2-3/4" x Width 3/4" x Depth 1/2". A great opportunity to purchase a simply gorgeous inro suite which will certainly increse in value and be a great addition to ones collection or the right one to start a collection.