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Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
8-May-2016
Lot No.
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Description:
Two Japanese inro & netsuke, [2], 1] Edo Biwa zu Makie Inro and signed Netsuke, Edo period, c. 1750-1850, Biwa zu (four-stringed Japanese lute) and reverse with mother of pearl inlay on a background, Technique: Kuro Urushinuri Raden Morimakie, Netsuke: (wood) a square convex shape with a Samurai Battle scene and on reverse a ship with sails on the ocean, OJIME: metal, 2] Japanese GOLD MAKIE INRO with Chrysanthemum on the black lacquered wooden ground, Edo period, c. 1750-1850, GOLD MAKIE INRO with Chrysanthemum on the black lacquered wooden ground, NETSUKE: (bone) in the form of a sleeping monkey, OJIME: wood, Japanese traditional robes lacked pockets, objects were often carried by hanging them from the obi, belt or sash. Inro consist of a stack of tiny, nested boxes. They were most commonly used to carry identity seals & medicine. They were made by experts & known artists in a variety of material, mostly of wood covered by lacquer & then delicately painted or inlaid. The stack of boxes is held together by a cord that is laced through cord runners down one side, under the base, and up the opposite side. The ends of the cord are secured to a netsuke, a kind of toggle that is passed between the sash and pants, then hooked over the top of the sash to suspend the Inro. An ojime, or bead, is provided on the cords between the Inro and netsuke to hold the boxes together. This bead is slid down the two suspension cords to the top of the Inro to hold the stack together while the Inro is worn. The Inro & netsuke are an example of the highest artistic abilities of Japanese artists working in small scale objects. Provenance: Todd Barlin collection. 6.5 x 5.5 cm, 6 x 5.5 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Oriental: Inro