Inro with serpent
Japan
Gyobu-nashji lacquer, bone or antler, cotton cord
2.5" (6 cm) high by 2" (5 cm) wide
17th to 18th century
This exquisite inro is made by a master of the Koma family, Koma Kansai (1767-1835). The beautifully detailed serpent is covered with finely carved scales and has an inlaid eye. Inside the upper lid portion of each section is a gold rectangle that may have had some script at one time and a signature is painted on the bottom in gold lacquer. The netsuke is carved in bone or antler and is signed on the right haunch; the ojime bead is made of red and gold lacquer.
#8187

SOLD