KAJIKAWA: A VERY RARE GOLD LACQUER FIVE-CASE INRO DEPICTING DUTCHMEN

KAJIKAWA: A VERY RARE GOLD LACQUER FIVE-CASE INRO DEPICTING DUTCHMEN
By a member of the Kajikawa family, signed Kajikawa 梶川 saku 作
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of lenticular section, the lustrous bright kinji ground superbly decorated in iro-e takamaki-e with hiramaki-e detailing to depict two Dutchmen, both typically dressed, one holding a long clay pipe and leaning against a cherry tree with a pensive expression, his head resting in his hand, and to other supporting himself on his walking stick. The interiors of nashiji with gold fundame edges. The base signed KAJIKAWA saku [made by Kajikawa]. With a reticulated metal ojime bearing a shippo pattern.
HEIGHT 9.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear, mostly to interior lacquer, few microscopic nibbles to edges as is to be expected.
Provenance:
A private collection in New York, USA. The interior with an inscribed label, 'No, 7 – 350 Kajikawa'.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related gold lacquer four-case inro by Koma Kyuhaku depicting Dutchmen at Bonhams, 6 November 2012, London, lot 40 (
sold for 37,250 GBP
). Compare a related silver lacquer five-case inro by Hara Yoyusai depicting Portuguese traders at Bonhams, 6 November 2012, London, lot 37 (
sold for 46,850 GBP
).