Miniature Inro Information Sought

[hddennis]

Just acquired this tiny inro from another collector who claimed it was from the early 1900's. Can anyone shed any light on it's use or translate the signature? Was it a toy? Could it have been made for a child?

 

Thanks,

Howard Dennis

[Bugyotsuji]

Perhaps aristocratic child's formal dress decoration for audiences with, for example, the Emperor. (?)

 

Since they were normally no longer worn or used by then, could it not be an upmarket art object for the thirsty (western) appreciative eye?

 

A lovely set. Can you show the back of the Netsuke?

[hddennis]

Here's the back of netsuke. I think it represents what I've seen listed as a document box. It almost looks as if you could really open it. The coin shows how small this whole thing is.

 

 

Howard Dennis

[Bugyotsuji]

Sweet. How's your grass script? The Netsuke reminds me more of a miniature Tebako 手箱 than a 文箱 Fumibako.

[hddennis]

Just found this online and had to add it to my collection. Even though incomplete it's really rare, really old and high quality and deserves to be saved.

Howard Dennis

 

[Bazza]

O MY GAWD - I've just necro-loved an old 2016 post.  How may others, I wonder, had never seen Howard's first post before???

 

BaZZa.

[Bugyotsuji]

4 hours ago, Bazza said:

O MY GAWD - I've just necro-loved an old 2016 post.  How may others, I wonder, had never seen Howard's first post before???

 

BaZZa.

柴山 Strange that we missed the Shibayama signature too!