AN EARLY LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO OF A DRUNKEN SHOJO

AN EARLY LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO OF A DRUNKEN SHOJO

Unsigned
Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Of upright rectangular form and oval section, bearing a roiro ground applied with gold lacquer, finely worked in iro-e hiramaki-e and takamaki-e, as well as kirigane and inlays of aogai, to depict to the front an inebriated Shojo with a ladle in one hand, falling backwards as it loses balance, having drunk too much sake, all below a gushing waterfall. The verso showing a large jar filled with sake. The interior compartments of roiro, nashiji, and gold fundame rims. Inscriptions to the top of each case.

HEIGHT 6.4 cm, LENGTH 5.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with old wear. Some wear and rubbing to the lacquer, minor losses to kirigane flakes, and light surface scratches. Tiny chips to one top corner. One old touchup to the verso. Presenting beautifully.

The waterfall depicted here are likely from the Yoro Falls, where according to legend the water tastes like sake.