Japanese Sumi-E Lacquer Inro Yamada Jokasai Edo Period

Description

A three-case lacquered Inro by Yamada Family circa 18th-19th century Edo period. The inro with slight rounded form is of … more A three-case lacquered Inro by Yamada Family circa 18th-19th century Edo period. The inro with slight rounded form is of Kano style and lividly depicts a dragon slithering among the ink clouds on a gold background. Sumi-e togidashi (ink togidashi) technique, in combination with Hiramaki-e, were employed to create the dreamy ambience of this piece. The dragon has a painterly appearance inspired by Chinese ink painting that was often seen on the Japanese folding screens. The back of the Inro was sparsely decorated with the shifting patterns of the darkening clouds with an emphasis on the space intentionally left empty. Jokasai was signed to the base. On the front of the inro there is another miniature signature Hakugyoku Hogen, which is one of names used by Kano Michinobu (The dragon is evidently one of his designs (see reference below).
Established by a member of Yamada family in the 17th century, the clan was one of the most prominent lacquer artisanal family for the next 200 years until the end of Edo period in the 19th century. Most members signed their work simply with Jokasai making the identification of the individual artists somewhat impossible. The current Inro on offer, compared to many other pieces by Jokasai, has an uncommon Kano style done in Sumi-e togidashi.
Another unusual feature of this piece is that the interiors of the inro was decorated with an interesting gold mosaic inlays (kirigane) on a dark lacquer background, giving it a jewel like quality.
For another Inro by Jokasai of a similar style using Sumi-e togidashi but depicts a tiger, see Wrangham collection, no.353, which was offered for sale as lot 256 in Bonham's London Auction: The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I. 9 Nov 2010.
For an ink scroll of a similar dragon by Kano Michinobu, see British Art Museum number 1913,0501,0.241. less