97 - JAPAN, EDO PERIOD (1603–1868)

JAPAN, EDO PERIOD (1603–1868) Inrō with a design based on *The Tale of Genji* A four-compartment inrō in black roiro lacquer, decorated with gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e, accented with red lacquer and kirikane, depicting on one side a running cat held by a long red leash, and on the other, a bamboo screen (sudare) raised beneath a cherry tree in bloom. The decoration evokes the episode from the “Wakana” chapter of the *Genji Monogatari*, in which the Third Princess’s cat, pulling on its leash, lifts the screen and reveals the princess to Kashiwagi. Interior in gold lacquer. Black silk cord adorned with a spherical ojime, presumed to be made of coral. H. 5.7 cm.