A Cinnabar Lacquer Inro Japan, Edo Period, 18th Century

finely carved through layers of cinnabar lacquer to the floral diaper ground below, one side with a recessed barbed panel enclosing a scholar standing beneath a pine tree with a boy playfully hiding behind him, the reverse with another similar panel depicting a scholar holding a leaf fan and playing with a tiger, all between a cornucopiae and a scroll on the top and on the underside, the interior speckled with gold nashiji, further mounted with a lacquer ojime similarly carved with a landscape and an en suite openwork kagamibuta carved with a scholar on each side

The inro is in overall good condition with some expected tiny nibbling to the edges between the compartments, mostly between the first and second tier from the top (showing on the illustration in the catalogue). There is a small 3 by 2mm. chip to the lacquer to the upper edge of the third tier above the tiger's head (showing on the photo). There is some light touch up to the lacquer at the rim of the two tubular openings on the sides where the silk cord is thread through. The nashiji (gold speckled) ground on the interior of the compartment is somewhat faded and typically rubbed at the point of contact between a tier and the one immediately above it, but otherwise rather well preserved on the inside. The ojime is matching but may be a replacement. The kagamibuta is original and in good condition. The actual colour is rather consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."