A fine zutsu, intended to house a brush or pipe. A tsuishu ground, covered in fine ishime-nuri, which has then been carved away in the form of toys, uncovering the red lacquer beneath. The lid a mixed metal hinged fastener.
Signed: 豊玉刀 Hogyoku carved. Note he describes the work as carved.
Hogyoku 豊玉 was a student of Matsuki Hokei 松木豊慶, who was professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Art, active in the early Meiji period known for his Tsuishu lacquer art, see p 79 in THE INDEX OF INRO ARTISTS, E A WRANGHAM.
16.5cm Long.
