7th Nov, 2025 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
33
KOMA KANSAI: AN EXQUISITE MINIATURE TWO-CASE METAL-INLAID LACQUER INRO WITH GEESE AMONG REEDS
Sold for €3,900
including Buyer's Premium
By a member of the Koma Kansai lineage, signed Kansai 寛哉
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The miniature inro of rounded shape, bearing a dense gold nashiji ground, lavishly decorated with gold takamaki-e and inlaid with gold and shakudo to depict a continuous scene with two geese standing in a meadow surrounded by reeds blown by the wind on one side, while on the opposite side a further goose soars gracefully. Signed to the underside KANSAI. The interior cases of nashiji with gold fundame rims.
HEIGHT 4.2 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear and minimal traces of use and some typical light nibbling to edges.
The Koma were among the most celebrated dynasties of Japanese lacquer artists, founded in Edo during the 17th century by Kyui, who is recorded as having produced inro for Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. For more than two centuries, successive generations of the family served as official lacquerers to the court and shogunate, their artistry setting the highest standards of the craft. Virtually all members of the lineage are thought to have created inro, alongside other lacquer objects. Among them, Koma Kansai stands out as one of the most distinguished masters, renowned for his versatility across techniques and media, and frequently collaborating with leading metalworkers to produce works of remarkable refinement—such as the present inro.
By a member of the Koma Kansai lineage, signed Kansai 寛哉
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The miniature inro of rounded shape, bearing a dense gold nashiji ground, lavishly decorated with gold takamaki-e and inlaid with gold and shakudo to depict a continuous scene with two geese standing in a meadow surrounded by reeds blown by the wind on one side, while on the opposite side a further goose soars gracefully. Signed to the underside KANSAI. The interior cases of nashiji with gold fundame rims.
HEIGHT 4.2 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear and minimal traces of use and some typical light nibbling to edges.
The Koma were among the most celebrated dynasties of Japanese lacquer artists, founded in Edo during the 17th century by Kyui, who is recorded as having produced inro for Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. For more than two centuries, successive generations of the family served as official lacquerers to the court and shogunate, their artistry setting the highest standards of the craft. Virtually all members of the lineage are thought to have created inro, alongside other lacquer objects. Among them, Koma Kansai stands out as one of the most distinguished masters, renowned for his versatility across techniques and media, and frequently collaborating with leading metalworkers to produce works of remarkable refinement—such as the present inro.
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