167 - Five-compartment inro, Japan, Edo period, 19th century

Five-compartment inro, Japan, Edo period, 19th century Five-compartment lacquer inro decorated with takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and gold kirikane on a black background. One side is adorned with a high waterfall cascading into a torrent of stylized waves, from which a carp emerges; the upper portion is enlivened by a rock and drooping pine branches. The reverse side features a second carp swimming amid powerful rolling waves and foam, surmounted by pine branches forming a continuous design around the body of the inro. The interior is finished in nashiji lacquer. It is fitted with a spherical porcelain ojime decorated with underglaze blue and bearing an “Eiraku” mark, as well as a carved wooden netsuke depicting three clams placed side by side, finely grooved to mimic the natural striations of their shells. 8.9 x 4.9 cm Some lacquer chips on the side of the upper compartment, minor chipping, and normal wear and tear. Slight indentation in the lacquer on the top.