A black-lacquer four-case inro By Jitokusai Gyokuzan, 19th century The black ishime ground lacquered in dark brown sabiji-nuri (simulated russet iron) with a Nanban kabuto (foreign-style helmet) with a gold-lacquered plume and decorated cloth among scattered gold lacquer kirimon (paulownia crests), the cord runners with a fragmented rinzu (textile-weave) design, the interior of nashiji, signed Jitokusai Gyokuzan with a kao; with an iron ojime with gilt medallions. 7.6cm (3in) high. Footnotes: リザーブ設定無し 南蛮甲図蒔絵印籠　銘「自得斎玉山（花押）」　19世紀 Provenance: purchased at Christie's, London, 1980. Wrangham collection, no.1491. Published: E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists, 1995, p.63, Gyokuzan, Tachibana, top row, third from left. The maker has lacquered the inro in an 'antique' style, with intentionally produced wear, a technique employed by other lacquerers including Koma Kansai and Yamada Jokasai. The sabiji-nuri lacquering of the helmet in particular is a perfect example of the technique. The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art: Part IV, lot 252. www.bonhams.com/auctions/20493/lot/252/ Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com