Description

Antique Japanese inro with three compartments, made of wood with gold lacquer and inlaid with gold flecks. One side is decorated with a pair of cranes and sprouting pines. The other side of the inro depicts an ancient turtle who carries, on his back, a large rock formation. Out of the rock sprouts a plum tree, a pine tree and bamboo – together called Sho chiku bai or “The Three Friends of Winter”. The inside of each compartment is cover with dense nishji lacquer (fine gold flecks). Signed on the bottom.

Edo Period

Dimensions: 4″ high x 1 3/4″ wide.