THE JAPANESE COLLECTION

Shiomi Masanari four case inro.

L12

A four case gold togidashi Inro decorated with a Sarumawashi (monkey trainer) wearing a large hat and fine garments, in the Chinese style, possibly posing as an archer. On the reverse a monkey dressed in the full costume of a Sambaso dancer of the No theatre. The details of their richly decorated clothes rendered in very fine Somada style.

Japan, 18th Century.
Signed: Shiomi Masanari in a rectangular red lacquer seal.
Provenance: Eskenazi 1981
Dimensions: 7.8cm long x 5.3cm 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: Raised and pierced dark metal ojime.

Netsuke: An ivory netsuke in the form of sleeping monkey trainer, contentedly dreaming, as his pet warily steals from his food basket.  (NL12)
Japan, 18th Century
Signed: Unsigned
Published: Item 94 'In Search of Netsuke and Inro' by George A. Cohen.

Zodiac sign / Monkey