THE JAPANESE COLLECTION

Boy & Ox Inro

Shiomi Masanari four case inro.

L11

A red four case togidashi Inro. Decorated on the red ground, lightly powdered in gold, with a boy playing the flute whilst sitting beside an ox.

Signed: Shiomi Masanari.
Provenance: Eskenazi.
Published: Item 321 (inro) 'In Search of Netsuke and Inro' by George A. Cohen.
Dimensions: 9.2cm long x 5cm wide

The Shiomi family of lacquerers, most of whom used the name Masanari, started working in the late 17th century and continued through to the first few years of the 20th century. The Present example is undoubtedly by one of the later members of the family.

Ojime: Gilt metal with raised floral design.

Manju: Ivory openwork manju carved with a boy playing the flute whilst sitting on an ox. The reverse similarly carved with Chinnan and a dragon.  (NL11)
Japan, 19th century
Signed: Unsigned

Zodiac sign / Bullock / Dragon