162 - A SUPERB AND LARGE SILVER-MOUNTED BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER INRO-KODANSU (STORAGE CABINET FOR INRO) WITH PEONY KARAKUSA AND PAULOWNIA CRESTS

A SUPERB AND LARGE SILVER-MOUNTED BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER INRO-KODANSU (STORAGE CABINET FOR INRO) WITH PEONY KARAKUSA AND PAULOWNIA CRESTS Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of rectangular typical kodansu form, the exterior exquisitely decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with luxuriant peony blossoms amid a dense network of scrolling karakusa foliage, the overlapping petals delicately detailed and surrounded by gracefully curling tendrils, finely veined leaves, and delicate buds. The elaborate composition extends continuously across the top, sides, and hinged front door, the lustrous black roiro ground richly sprinkled with fine gold nashiji. The top fitted with an elegantly arched silver carrying handle secured by kiku mounts, the edges, hinges, and door fittings similarly constructed. The hinged door opens to reveal three drawers of graduated height, their richly speckled nashiji grounds embellished in gold lacquer with paired go-shichi no kiri-mon (five-seven-five paulownia crests), a prestigious emblem historically associated with the imperial court and subsequently adopted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Each drawer is fitted with a silver chrysanthemum-form escutcheon and loose-ring pull, the interiors furnished with fitted softwood supports for the storage of inro. The reverse of the door is beautifully decorated with three gold-lacquered clam-shell-shaped reserves, recalling the aristocratic kai-awase shell-matching game, containing delicate miniature scenes of pine trees beside flowing water, bamboo blinds, and autumnal maple foliage. SIZE 19 x 30 x 21.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, tiny chips to the corners, little rubbing to lacquer and small age cracks. With a wood tomobako (storage box).