KOMA KORYU: A FINE LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH PEONIESBy Koma Koryu, signed Koma Koryu 古満巨柳 with kakihan Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of rounded rectangular form, the dense gyobu nashiji ground finely decorated in iro-e takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, kirikane, and aogai inlay to depict a large flowering greyish-white peony amid gold-veined leaves, the flower executed in simulation of pottery, a white and a red bud to one side, the other side similarly decorated with a red peony amid leaves and a red bud. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. The underside with the lacquered signature KOMA KORYU and kakihan. HEIGHT 8 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few tiny nicks to edges and aogai inlays. The lacquer a little dry. Tiny repair to the edge of the smaller white flower and minuscule losses to lacquer throughout, as to be expected.Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.Museum comparison: Compare a related three-case inro by Koma Yasumasa, dated late 18th to early 19th century, in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 21.2337. Auction comparison: Compare a related lacquer four-case inro by Koma Yasutada, 8.9 cm high, dated 19th century, with an unsigned black lacquer ojime, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part III, 15 May 2012, London, lot 260 (sold for 7,500 GBP).