A Japanese Gold Lacquer Inro with Hotei by Kajikawa

Edo period (1615-1868), lacquer finely decorated in gold and brown takamaki-e and hiramaki-e on a kinji ground with inlaid aogai shell details, four compartments decorated on one side with Hotei seated wearing a loose robe, a Chinese style fan by his side, and on the other two seated attendants, the interior cases finished in nashiji lacquer, the underside of the bottom case is signed 梶川 (Kajikawa), fitted with a purple silk cord.

3 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 3/4 in.

An inro is a tiered container traditionally worn by Japanese men, whose kimono lacked pockets. From the late sixteenth century onward, inro were suspended from the sash (obi) by a silk cord secured with a netsuke toggle. Originally intended to carry seals and ink or medicinal compounds, they later evolved into highly refined objects of personal adornment and craftsmanship.

This example is signed Kajikawa, one of a family of lacquer workers who specialized in inro. It is often not possible to identify individual artists as many generations simply used the name "Kajikawa."

Fleabite to base of one compartment; otherwise good estate condition.

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