THE JAPANESE COLLECTION

The Archer Inro

Noriyuki metalwork four case inro.

L8

A gold lacquer Inro of an outdoor stage, with exceptional applied metalwork, of an actor firing his bow at another who is shown on the reverse, crouching down, protecting a monkey at his side.

Although seen in profile, the archer has full face detail.

Signed: On a metal tablet Noriyuki (for the metalwork), and Hanabusa Itcho sho (after the design by Hanabusa Itcho)
Provenance: Sotheby's.
Published: Item 307 'In Search of Netsuke and Inro' by George A. Cohen.
Dimensions: 8.5cm long x 5.8cm wide

Hamano Noriyuki was chiefly a maker of sword fittings in Edo, during the latter part of the 18th century. The present example is almost certainly not by him, but by a follower.

Ojime: Metal oval shape with raised dragons.

Netsuke: Ivory netsuke of two musicians.  (NL8)
Japan, 19th century
Signed: Ryomin, Edo