Fine Japanese Lacquered Inro with Inlays by Kajikawa

A fine Japanese miniature kodansu constructed from Kaki wood (Persimmon) circa 19th century, late Meiji period. With its expressive exotic wood grains and exposed tenon construction,...

A four-case lacquered inro by Koma Koryu circa 19th century late Edo period. The inro features a pair of Chinese mandarin duck resting under a bundle of blooming irises on the pond. ...

A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...

This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Raden (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead...

Japanese Inro from the Edo period (1615-1868) created by Kajikawa. Beautiful Inro, created in Japan by one of the Kajikawa family during the Edo period (1615-1868), circa 1810. Has been carefully crafted in carved precious wood with applications of gilding maki-e and decorated with Japonism patterns. All dan trays are attached together with a himo cord. The detailed craftsmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Period: Edo period (1615-1868). Shogunate. Approximate Date: 1790-1810 Motif: A family of birds consisting of a cockerel, the hen and three chicks. Drawers: Five. Shape: Rectangular navette. Technique: Carved wood, lacquer and decorated in iroe-hiramaki-e on a gold ground. Ojime: 15mm 20mm, oval carved from natural translucent agate. Netsuke: None Weight: 47.70 Grams. Measurements: Inro is 78 mm by 55 mm by 18 mm (3.07 x 2.17 x 0.71 Inches). Signatures: Kajikawa Saku, in the underside with the signature KAJIKAWA. By a member of the Kajikawa family, signed Kajikawa 梶川 Japan, late 18th century to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868). The Kajikawa family Kajikawa family, flourished in the 19th century, they was Japanese lacquerware artists whose school in Edo (now Tokyo) flourished for more than 200 years. This family is perhaps the most famous of all the dynasties of Japanese lacquer artists, and certainly the name most often found on inro. The family is said to have been founded by Hikobei at Edo in the early 17th century, although some claim that the family’s great reputation really stemmed from his son and pupil Kyujiro. In any event, Hikobei worked for the shogunate, as did his successors until well into the 19th century. Kijirō excelled in designing particularly delicate lacquer inrō, portable medicine cases...

A fine Japanese export red lacquer box with Masonic symbols Kyoto/Nagasaki, 1800-1820 Red lacquer decorated with scattered flowers and flying birds with long tails in gold, wit...

Beautifull Inro of three compartments made in kinji lacquer with an hiro maki-e ornament chrysanthemum flowers of gold and silver lacquer. Inside is in fundame lacquer. Signed by J...

Japanese Namban lacquer transition-style coffer with two drawers Kyoto/Nagasaki, circa 1650 The cartouches with gilt and red decorations of leaves...