A metal-inlaid gold-lacquer four-case inro By Shokyosai, Edo period (1615-1868), circa 1850 Of oval form, each side with a foliate reserve, decorated in gold hiramaki-e with polychrome accents, depicting courtiers in a mansion, one kneeling in a large room awaiting orders from his master on the other side, inspecting a document on a low table, the figures inlaid in metal with gilt details; signed Shokyosai. 8.5cm (3 5/16in) high. 注脚 Provenance: Formerly in a Belgian aristocratic collection, subsequently in the same family in France and England.