Inro japanese three cases - lacquer Sagemono Netsuke - Tsuru design - Edo period

DESCRIPTION Four INRO cases in squared shape with OJIME. The design carefully worked in a delicate manner and finely decorated with accurate details, depicts on one side, five TSURU or Japanese cranes along the bank of a river. The other side shows several cranes flying over. TECHNIQUE The very shiny ROIRO black lacquer background is decorated in TAKAMAKI E and HIRAMAKI E, with multicoloured TOGIDASHI, details in gold leaf. Rim in FUNDAME a matt gold lacquer background, the TEN top surface, and CHI bottom surface, on a matching background while the surface inside the cases has a NASHIJI background, lightly sprinkled with fine gold-dust powder to look like a starry sky. PERIOD/ORIGIN Middle of the EDO period 18/19th century Japan COMMENTS: We should imagine these cranes are eager to find a place to rest before nightfall, as the moon is already shining among the clouds. Some birds are shown but we feel as if there many more. The sound of wings beating against air, the cries of the birds, and the smells of the beach are well expressed. A verse by FUJIWARA KOREI (1048-1084) describes this landscape: Cranes slip between the rocks / Where oak leaves fall. / Their own young plumage / has also turned to crimson. MATERIAL/SIZE Wood 82 x 75 mm CONDITION Basically in decent condition considering the age. A slight nick on the top of the case. See the detailed photos or e-mail me for more info.