30 - † A RARE TALL FOUR-CASE METAL-INLAID LACQUER ‘SHOKI AND ONI’ INRO

† A RARE TALL FOUR-CASE METAL-INLAID LACQUER ‘SHOKI AND ONI’ INRO Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of tall form, bearing a lustrous roiro ground, finely decorated in gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e and boldly inlaid in gilt-splashed bronze with Shoki, the demon queller, standing in voluminous robes, his sword thrust through his sash as he gazes upward in pursuit. The reverse shows a terrified oni, inlaid in gold, fleeing through swirling clouds above crashing waves and rockwork, the figure dramatically rendered in high relief and surrounded by scattered gold kirigane. The richly worked surfaces combine the sculptural presence of the metal inlay with the painterly effects of the gold lacquer, creating an unusually powerful and dynamic composition. The interior cases are finished with gold fundame rims. HEIGHT 12.3 cm, LENGTH 4.2 cm Condition: Excellent condition, with only very minor wear, traces of handling and use, light rubbing to lacquer. The legend of Shoki, the demon queller, derives from that of the Chinese mythological figure Zhong Kui, who is said to have taken his own life after failing the imperial civil service examinations. He was nevertheless accorded an honorable burial by the emperor and, in gratitude, his spirit vowed to protect the sovereign and rid the empire of demons. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.