**SOLD** 3-case Black Lacquer Inro with Bobbins

3-case Black Lacquer Inro with Bobbins

Of lozenge section, the black lacquer ground slightly ridged horizontally, decorated with numerous bobbins and spools of thread, some of inlaid shell, others with gold foil.  The top case of the red interior is divided into two compartments and the underside of the two top cases are inscribed in lacquer with the names of medicines

Unsigned. Circa 1800

Height: 7.7 cm

With an unusual opaque glass ojime

The traditional medicines named are 牛蘇 Gyuso and Seikun 清薫, the first possibly based on buffalo milk, used as a nutritional tonic and supplement, believed to aid digestion, with some anti-inflammatory properties. The second was believed to have refreshing properties

Provenance:

Harriet Szechenyi collection, sold in her sale at Bonhams London, 8th November 2011, lot 367

Jonathan Shannon and Jeffrey Ross collection, Hawaii

MR4406