A lacquer three-case inro

Edo period (1615-1868), 16th/17th century

Edo period (1615-1868), 16th/17th century
The roiro ground lacquered with a continuous scene in gold and slightly coloured takamaki-e depicting Benkei pretending to read the kanjincho (subscription list) beside an oi (backpack) resting at the foot of an old pine tree at the Ataka Gate, with discrete details of gold foil, the interior of nashiji; unsigned. 8cm (3 1/8in) high.

Provenance:
Edward Wrangham Collection, no.1952.
Purchased in these rooms, 10 May 2011, lot 169.