Project Description
Three-case Rituso Style Inro attributed to Nomura Chohei (active 1760-1810)
The entire ground a network pattern of fine slivers of inlaid shell, inlaid in high relief with an inscribed trompe-l’œil lacquer ink cake with inscription including a “signature” Ritsuo above kan seal on one side, a lacquer brush wiith imiation guri lacquer handle and soapstone seal carved with a peach on the other. The risers of the red lacquer interiors are decorated with chinkinbori waves.
Unsigned. Circa 1800
7.9 cm
Coral ojime
Attributions of inro using the trompe-l’œil ink cakes which derive from Ritsuō are famously difficult. While once can make useful stylistic comparisons with the raden inlaid box with numerous ink cakes, formerly in the Edmund Lewis collection, the overall feel of the inro is later. There has to be a clue to authorship in the distinctive chinkinbori risers, which are a frequent feature of Chohei’s work. The Lewis box is illustrated in Moss, Outside the Box, no. 97
MR5071
