NORIYUKI: A RARE IRON AND MIXED METAL THREE-CASE INRO OF OMI HAKKEI
By Hamano Noriyuki II (Kuzui II) (1771-1852), signed Kuzui
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Marcus Huish, Japan and its Arts, 1889, p.9. J. F. Blacker, The ABC of Japanese Art, 1911 (reprinted 1929), p.139.

Made from iron and inlaid in gold, silver, copper, shakudo and shibuichi. The top and base is shibuichi and the risers and interior are made from silver. Depicted is the Omi Hakkei (Eight views of Lake Biwa), which is inspired by the traditional Chinese motif of Chinese Xiaoxiang Bajing (The Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang), and show a series of views around the southern part of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake a few miles northeast of Kyoto. The views are: Evening Glow at Seta, Sunset Sky at Awazu, Autumn Moon at Ishiyama, Returning Sailboats at Yabase, Evening Bell at Miidera, Night Rain at Karasaki, Descending Geese at Katata, Lingering Snow on Mount Hira. Signed at the top on an inlaid gold tablet NORIYUKI 矩隨 (Kuzui).

HEIGHT 7.7 cm, WIDTH 4.8 cm

Condition: Very good condition. The silver is slightly worn on the risers.
Provenance: Edward Gilbertson collection. Axel Petersen collection, purchased at Sotheby's, London, 1970. Wrangham collection, no. 1001.