150 - ROSHU: AN UNUSUAL ‘SPIDER’ INKSTONE (SUZURI) WITH AN INLAID LACQUER COVER DEPICTING A DRAGONFLY

ROSHU: AN UNUSUAL ‘SPIDER’ INKSTONE (SUZURI) WITH AN INLAID LACQUER COVER DEPICTING A DRAGONFLY By Roshu, signed Roshu with kakihan Japan, 19th century, late Edo (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912) The rectangular inkstone finely carved in relief with a spider, accompanied by a double-gourd-shaped wood cover displaying an attractive dark brown grain. The cover is exquisitely decorated in delicate gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with an intricate spider's web spreading across the surface, its finely traced strands ensnaring a dragonfly with outstretched, meticulously veined wings, delicately articulated legs, and eyes inlaid with iridescent aogai (mother-of-pearl). The reverse presents a contrasting nocturnal scene, finely lacquered in gold and black with a crow perched on a pine branch, its beak open and plumage delicately delineated, silhouetted against a large, luminous gold moon. Signed ROSHU with the artist’s red kakihan. SIZE 18 x 10.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. The inkstone with natural imperfections, a few tiny nicks, and light surface scratches. The interior of the cover with minor flaking to the lacquer along the edges and light surface scratches. The spider's web (kumo no su) is a fascinating motif in Japanese decorative arts, traditionally associated with good fortune, auspicious encounters, and the attraction of desirable opportunities. The dragonfly (tonbo), meanwhile, was particularly admired as kachimushi, the ‘victory insect’, celebrated for its swift, unwavering flight and perceived refusal to retreat. As an emblem of courage, determination, and triumph, it frequently appeared on samurai armor, helmets, and sword fittings, while its association with rice fields and the autumn harvest also connected it with agricultural abundance. The juxtaposition of these two auspicious motifs in the present work creates a particularly charming and subtly playful composition, the dragonfly, ordinarily a symbol of unconquerable forward motion, unexpectedly caught in the delicate strands of a spider's web. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related design on an inro, dated to the 19 th century, in the collection of the Musée Guimet, Paris, accession number EO 2226.