A gold-lacquer four-case inro

By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century

By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
The lenticular cross-section with rounded corners, curved top and base, the kinji lacquer ground decorated in gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with a continuous design of a boat laden with rice sheaves and with a quant pole resting against its stern, tossed by tumultuous waters rendered in seigaiha-nuri; signed in kebori on the base Zeshin within an oval black-lacquer reserve. 8.5cm (3 3/8in) high.

Provenance:
Carl A. Kroch Collection.
Sold at Christie's, New York, 4 December 1986, lot 151.
Shep Brozman Collection.
Purchased at Christie's, London, 10 November 2010, lot 400.