A FINE FOUR-CASE TSUISHU AND GOLD LACQUER INRO WITH DRUNKEN SHOJO

拍品描述

A FINE FOUR-CASE TSUISHU AND GOLD LACQUER INRO WITH DRUNKEN SHOJO Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of upright rectangular form, bearing a fine gyobu-nashiji ground, beautifully framed with tsuishu (carved red lacquer) incised with asanoha. The framed scenes are superbly decorated with polychrome takamaki-e and hiramaki-e. The design depicts shojo (mythical red-faced, sake-drinking spirits) on both sides. On one side, a shojo is standing behind a large sake jar, while on the other, the shojo is dancing with a fan and saucer. The interior cases of nashiji with gold fundame rims. LENGTH 5 cm, HEIGHT 6.5 cm Shojo are Japanese spirits with similarities to a ghost but differing from the latter in the fact that Shojo are tangible. It enjoys drinking alcohol, especially sake. Legend has it that workers at breweries in Japan have seen shojo lurking about after indulging in their products. Museum comparison: Compare a related tsuishu three-case lacquer inro with shojo, by the artist Yosei, dated to the 19th century, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Accession number W.624-1910. Auction comparison: Compare a related four-case lacquer inro with a tsuishu frame, dated to the 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 340 (sold for EUR 2,860).

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