Late 18th Century Antique Japanese Inro by Shigehide Edo Period

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This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) … Read more This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Radan (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead and a carved wood netsuke in shape of a tree trunk accompanying the inro. The netsuke was signed Dohachi with an eight word poem line: Where gentleman resides, there must be mountains and waters. This was likely an attribution to the famous ceramist Ninnami Dohachi (1783-1855) who was a contemporary of Shigehide. However, it remains unconfirmed to our knowledge that Dohachi ever made wood netsukes such as this. See less