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Somada school four-case lacquer inro with hako netsuke
18th century
peonies and butterflies
height 3 5/8 in., 9.2 cm
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with inlaid aogai (mother-of-pearl) peonies and butterflies, nashiji risers, ensuite with lacquer ojime decorated wtih gold and silver and Somada style hako netsuke with a cicada on a blossom, nashiji interior; unsigned
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The Somada family of lacquer artists developed their distinctive style of lacquer and shell inlays in the early 18th century. According to von Rague in A History of Japanese Lacquerwork (1976, p. 197), Somada Kiyosuke learned the technique, based on a Chinese Ming style, in Nagasaki, possibly from an artist known as Aogai (lit. 'green shell') Chobei. The Somada line of artists established themselves so well with the technique the style became known as Somada maki-e. Although Wrangham records twelve Somada artists in The Index of Inro Artists (1995, pp. 271-272), Somada school pieces are frequently unsigned.
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$9,000
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another view
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