A gold-lacquer large three-case inro in the form of a suit of armour

By Shokasai, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century

By Shokasai, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century
The suit of armour displayed on an armour box and decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with details rendered in inlaid shell and e-nashiji, the simulated russet-iron helmet with antler-shaped flanges and surmounted by a maedate (forecrest) in the form of a dragon head, the menpo (mask) black-lacquered, the breastplate gold-inlaid with a rabbit among autumn plants, the helmet and hand guards with a katabami mon (wood sorrel crest), the armour box embellished with repeated hanabishi motifs; signed on the bottom case in gold lacquer Shokasai. 16cm x 10cm (6¼in x 3 7/8in).

Provenance:
Purchased at Christie's, London, 14 November 2001, lot 188.

A similar example by the artist is illustrated by Barry Davies Oriental Art, Netsuke Classics, London, 1990, no.81.