Five-case Inrō with Oni Netsuke and Ojime - Sage Figure - Lacquer, Gold, Wood, Agate - Japan - Edo period (1603-1868) A Japanese five-case inrō, complete with an agate ojime and a carved wood netsuke of an oni. The inrō is decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e and togidashi on a finely sprinkled gold ground with dark mottled areas. A Chinese sage figure in flowing robes stands across the cases, holding a basket at his waist, beneath a branch bearing large round fruit, possibly peaches, rendered in gold and silver. The design flows continuously across all cases. The base is decorated with gold chrysanthemum blossoms. The interiors of the cases are finished in gold nashiji lacquer of particularly fine quality. Under magnification, the gold flakes are densely and evenly sprinkled, giving the interiors a warm, deep glow. This careful nashiji work reflects the skill of the lacquer craftsman. The set is completed by a round carnelian agate ojime and a dark wood netsuke of a grinning oni (demon) with his hands raised to his head. The netsuke may be a later addition to the set. Details Form: Five-case inrō Decoration: Sage figure in maki-e Interior: Fine gold nashiji lacquer Accessories: Oni netsuke, agate ojime Dimensions (inrō): Height approx. 6 cm x Width approx. 5.5 cm x Depth approx. 2 cm Condition Signs of age and use consistent with its age: A chip with loss of lacquer to one lower corner, exposing the wood A crack along the edge of the lowest case Wear and loss of gold to the cord runners and case edges Cracks and lifting lacquer to some interior rims of the cases General rubbing to the lacquer surface The cases open and close properly. Please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the description. Provenance From a private collection in Japan. Shipping Ships from Kyoto, Japan, via EMS (Japan Post) or FedEx, fully tracked and insured, carefully packed. Import duties and taxes, if any, are the buyer’s responsibility.