L21 The Three Friends Inro with ivory manju



THE JAPANESE COLLECTION The Three Friends Inro Unsigned three case inro. L21 A three case gold and Shibayama style inro inlaid in elaborate relief with 'the three friends' - the pine, prunus and bamboo symbolising strength, longevity and wisdom. the reverse showing the archetypal elderly couple of Japan, Jo and Uba, one holding a broom, beneath two cranes in flight, the scene symbolic of longevity. Signed: Unsigned Provenance: G. Moss Published: Item 301 (inro) 'In Search of Netsuke and Inro' by George A. Cohen. Dimensions: 10.5cm long x 7cm wide Ojime: Metal ojime of Autumn flowers with gold stamens. Signed: Isshu Provenance: G. Moss Manju: Ivory manju, inlaid in gold with Narihira and his retainers viewing Mt. Fuji. (NL21) Japan, 19th century Signed: Minkoku on a gold tablet Published: Item 330 (Manju) 'In Search of Netsuke and Inro' by George A. Cohen.