Japan, 19th century - Lot 166

Japan, 19th century Inro and netsuke on the theme of Kiyohime and the Dôjô-ji temple bell, the inro with four compartments, decorated in hiramaki-e and takamaki-e lacquer on a fundame lacquer background, on one side with a large iron bell placed on the ground and with various decorations (geometric, auspicious, as well as Buddha and apsara in relief), the ring with a dragon head, under a pine tree and clouds (details in kirikane), on the other side, a large bell suspended beneath a temple door, the interior in fundame lacquer, attached by a silk cord, including a transparent glass ojime, to a marine ivory netsuke showing Kiyohime transformed into a dragon wearing horns and long hair and a flowery robe, its claws hanging from the bell and its tail wrapped around it, its eyes inlaid in copper. Slight wear (netsuke). 9 x 6.2 cm (inro) ; Diam. 1.7 cm (ojime) ; H. 4.4 cm (netsuke)