Lot 2179: Lacquer four-case inro By Chinei (Nagasaki, 18th century)

By Chinei (Nagasaki, 18th century)
Decorated in chinkin-bori with a continuous design of horses beside a flowering cherry tree, the design after a painting by Kano Hogai (1828-1888), interior cases nashiji, signed Chinei and inscribed Kano Shorin ga; fitted with a fruit nut ojime carved with the attributes of the Seven Lucky Gods
2 7/8in (7.3cm)

For the artist, see E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists (Alnwick: Harehope Publications, 1995), 36.

Chinei worked in Nagasaki and specialized in the chinkin-bori technique. Chinkin-bori is a technique whereby the surface is incised with a design and then filled with a colored powder or leaf that stands out against the background.