A RARE LACQUER FOUR-CASE SAYA INRO WITH HO-O BIRDS AND KIRI MONUnsigned Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The saya of roiro and nashiji decorated in gold hiaramaki-e with scrolling foliage interspersed by kiri mon (paulownia crests). The inro bearing a roiro ground similarly decorated with dense foliage and kiri mon as well as a flying ho-o bird to each side. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. With a small lacquered wood ojime. HEIGHT 6.7 cmCondition: Very good condition considering age and use. The saya with typical associated wear from contact with the frame. The kiri mon is one of the five major family crests in Japan, and one of the two imperial crests, along with the kiku (chrysanthemum) mon. More than 140 designs of the kiri mon exist, the most common one being known as the 5-3 Paulownia (Go-san no Kiri), consisting of three leaves and an inflorescence of 3–5–3 flowers, as found on the present lot. Originally, the paulownia seal was the private symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family, from as early as the sixteenth century. The Toyotomi clan, led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, later adopted the paulownia seal for use as the crest of his clan. After the Meiji Restoration, the seal was eventually adopted as the emblem of the Japanese government.Both the ho-o bird and the paulownia (kiri) tree are imperial symbols of Japan. According to legend, the ho-o, a bird similar to the phoenix that represents the eternal rebirth of the soul, only settles on the Kiri tree. In the hope of attracting this auspicious bird that blesses people with wisdom, health and happiness, the trees are planted in courtyards and gardens.Literature comparison:Compare to a near-identical saya inro with kiri and ho-o, dated 17th century, illustrated in Kurstin, Joseph & Lorin, Gilles (2006) The Peacock's Feather, Gentlemen's Jewelry of Old Japan, no. 58.