Description
This Japanese tsuishu lacquer inro by Zonsei dates to the late Edo period, circa 1850. Of traditional four-case form, the inro is carved throughout in deep cinnabar lacquer (tsuishu), with each side centred by a finely detailed figural scene surrounded by deeply carved scrolling foliage.
One side depicts the Daoist immortal Tekkai Sennin, known in China as Tie Guai Li or Iron-Crutch Li. He is shown as a bearded figure exhaling a plume of smoke or mist containing a miniature image of his own spirit, referring to the legend of his ability to project his soul beyond the physical body.. The opposing side shows two seated figures engaged in a game of go (碁) also known as igo 囲碁, the traditional Japanese board game long associated with scholarship and strategy.
The borders and edges are richly carved with continuous scrolling foliage, creating a dense decorative surface that extends across the entire body of the inro. It is signed 村靖 (Zonsei) with kao, identifying the work of the recognised tsuishu and tsuikoku lacquer artist.
The inro retains its original carved ojime bead decorated with rabbits and is complete with a finely carved seated Daruma netsuke displaying an excellent, naturally developed patina. The top compartment contains an original collection number ‘134’.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Collection.
Measurements
Inro 7.5cm High x 5.5cm Wide x 3cm Deep (2.95 x 2.17 x 1.18 inches)
Netsuke 3.5cm High x 4cm Wide x 2.5cm Deep (1.38 x 1.57 x 0.98 inches)
Condition
Excellent, beautiful aged patination to the netsuke
Who Was zonsei?
Zonsei was a specialized Edo-period Japanese lacquer master recorded in E.A. Wrangham’s The Index of Inro Artists(1995, p. 347). Unlike mainstream lacquerers who relied heavily on maki-e gold powders, Zonsei worked almost exclusively in carved red (tsuishu) and carved black (tsuikoku) lacquer. Signed pieces by Zonsei feature his distinctive character mark alongside an incised kaō (artist’s seal), highly regarded by collectors for their crisp dimensional depth and classical Daoist narrative scenes.
What is Tekkai Sennin (鉄拐仙人)?
Tekkai Sennin is one of the Eight Daoist Immortals, famous for his ability to exhale his spirit in a puff of smoke. In Japanese Edo period art, he is often paired with Gama Sennin (the Toad Immortal) and serves as a classic symbol of longevity, spiritual freedom, and transcendental power.
What is Tsuishu (堆朱)?
Tsuishu translates to “piled red” and refers to the laborious Japanese technique of carved red lacquer. The artisan applies scores of thin layers of natural cinnabar lacquer over a central core, allowing each layer to dry completely over several months. Once a dense, thick block of solid red lacquer is established, the maker hand-carves intricate relief figures, landscape elements, and geometric ground patterns into the surface.
What is An Inro?
Inro is a small container for carrying medicine and tobacco leaves. In the Edo period, Samurai had a habit of carrying regular medicines in Inro. The Inro were used daily and were carved in various methods to represent the current period. Inro were as much of a cultural status as they were for practical use with high members of society carrying exceptional examples made from premium materials.
What is a Netsuke 根付?
is a miniature sculpture originating in 17th century Japan. Initially it began as a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inro which was later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship.
What is an Ojime 緒締め?
Ojime 緒締め translated as cord fastener is a small bead used in Japanese inro. It is typically under an inch in length and uniquely carved to match the inro and netsuke it was intended for. Its purpose is to fasten the cord of the inro so that it does not unstack while carried.
What is the Edo Period 江戸時代 (1603-1868)?
The Edo period was the predecessor to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and named after the city of Edo, now Tokyo where Tokugawa shogunate had its government. It was a time when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa family and was also known as the Tokugawa period. The Edo period consisted of a rule of 300 regional daimyo and emerged from the turmoil of the Sengoku period and was characterised by the countries economic growth, with also came with a great arts and culture enterprise. The Edo period transformed Japan with its strict rules in society and today’s Japanese society stemmed from the Edo period. It was generally a time of peace and prosperity for Japan and ended with the Meiji Period where the arts and crafts was further continued.
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