家屋形蒔絵印籠|Inrō in the Shape of a House

Unknown

late 18th–early 19th century · Two cases; lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, togidashimaki-e, cutout gold foil application on black lacquer ground Netsuke: ivory; Hotei in a bag Ojime: metal bead · Asian Art

Decorated with a combination of lacquer techniques in silver and gold, the inrô in the shape of a thatched hut bears the signature of Koami Shinsaburo. The ivory netsuke, signed by ôhara Mitsuhiro, depicts one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck known as Hotei. A rotund, jolly figure, Hotei's attributes often include a fan and a bag to carry his treasures.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th–early 19th century

Medium

Two cases; lacquered wood with gold and silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, togidashimaki-e, cutout gold foil application on black lacquer ground Netsuke: ivory; Hotei in a bag Ojime: metal bead

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929