Four inro and three tonkotsu


Edo period (1615-1868), 18th to 19th centuryThe first a four-case gold sprinkled red-lacquer inro decorated in gold takamaki-e with maple leaves falling in a mountainous landscape, unsigned, 7.3cm (2 7/8in) high, with an ivory netsuke of a deer and young, inscribed Kagetoshi and a gilt metal ojime of a cat; the second of silver and two cases, applied in relief with scrolls, unsigned, 5.1cm (2in) wide, with a lacquered wood manju-netsuke; the third of black lacquer and four cases, carved in relief with sages conversing at windows, unsigned, 8cm (3 1/8in) high, with a wood netsuke of a gong and a glass ojime; the fourth a wood three-case inro engraved with a dragon in a storm, signed Josen with a kao, 8.2cm (3¼in) high; a wood tonkotsu inlaid with fruit and nuts, with an ivory cover, signed Gyokuzan, 8.9cm (3½in) wide, with an ivory ojime; the second of rootwood, inlaid with sparrows and various animals in ivory, gilt metal and pewter, unsigned, 7.6cm (3in) wide; and the third of small size, lacquered with birds flying over waves, unsigned, 5.4cm (2 1/8in) high, with a silver ojime. (7).