Page 227 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

256 | KOMA KANSAI: A RARE AND AMUSING 257 | A VERY FINE SHIBAYAMA
LACQUERED FOUR-CASE INRO INLAID THREE-CASE WOOD INRO
DEPICTING HOTEI
By Koma Kansai, signed Koma Kansai and with a red pot
seal Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, second half of 19th century

A fine four-case lacquer inro with a gold kinji ground and A superbly inlaid three-case lacquer inro with a beautifully
decorated in gold, red and silver takamaki-e. Depicted carved reddish wood ground. One side depicting Hotei
is an amusing scene, one side showing a woman trying with inlays of ivory, mother-of-pearl, stained horn and
to bludgeon a large eel in order to prepare it for dinner, tortoiseshell. The reverse carved in relief depicting a very
the club and chopping board is shown in front of her. finely carved dragon emerging from the turbulent sea.
However, rather amusingly, the eel has slipped out of her Attached red lacquer ojime.
hands and attacks her husband on the other side, who
is screaming and holding up a large plate. The eel’s eyes HEIGHT 8 cm
are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The inside covered in
dense nashiji. With a finely lacquered ojime. The underside Condition: Very good condition.
signed KOMA KANSAI 古満寛哉 and with a red pot seal. Provenance: European collection.
HEIGHT 8 cm Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-
Condition: Minor wear to the lacquered surface and edges,
as visible in the provided images. Good condition.
Provenance: British private collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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