A FINE ZESHIN-STYLE FOUR-CASE GOLD LACQUER INRO WITH A PINE TREE AND THE FULL MOON
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid to late 19th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912)
A FINE ZESHIN-STYLE FOUR-CASE GOLD LACQUER INRO WITH A PINE TREE AND THE FULL MOON Unsigned Japan, mid to late 19th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912) The small inro of oval shape, bearing a fine gold kinji ground applied with gold takamaki-e and some kirigane to depict a large pine tree extending to both sides above a lake executed in the seigaiha technique, the silver moon reflecting in the turbulent water, the actual moon seen at the top of the inro.
The interior cases of mottled red lacquer with gold fundame rims. The inro is decorated with the seigaiha ("blue sea waves") technique, revived by the great lacquerer Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891) after falling out of use for over two centuries. Seigaiha is achieved by drawing a comb through a thin layer of wet lacquer mixed with cereal starch or white lead to improve its viscosity; the process has to be perfectly executed in a short time before the lacquer dries and mistakes cannot be corrected.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material (listing wording)
- GOLD LACQUER
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- HEIGHT 7 cm, LENGTH 5 cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements are the auction house’s statements about the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 200169258
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.