Incense container with farmers along Sumida river - Lacquer, Mother of pearl, Pewter - Japan - Late Edo period (First half 19th century)

A Rinpa School-style inlaid lacquer kôgô 香合 (incense box) and cover depicting three farmers along the Sumida river.

Of circular form with a domed flush-fitting lid 印籠蓋 (inrôbuta), set on a dense e-nashiji 地梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) ground. The lid depicts three farmers, their robes inlaid with aogai 青貝 (mother-of-pearl) and pewter. They are shown pulling a boat with pewter inlay along a shoreline rendered in golden gyôbu-nashiji (large flakes), with rocks further enriched by delicate kirigane 切金 flakes.

The decoration is finely executed in gold hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) and takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design)

The interior is finished in reddish dense nashiji set with pewter rims.

Period:
Japan – Late Edo period (First half 19th century)
Dimensions:
Diameter 7 cm, Height 4.5 cm

In very good condition, with minor wear consistent with age, including a few tiny nicks and small losses to the gyôbu-nashiji and kirigane decoration. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

Complete with a red lacquered wooden tomobako 共箱 (storage box) bearing an old inscribed label: ‘Sumida river maki-e incense box’ 隅田川蒔絵香合.

Rinpa refers to a distinctive style in Japanese art that developed in the early 17th century, associated with artists such as Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716). The style is characterised by bold, stylised compositions, the use of rich materials such as gold and silver, and refined decorative techniques, often inspired by classical literature and nature.

When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.