supported by two facing karako boys, the lobed tray decorated in gold maki-e on a nashiji ground, the boys dressed in kimono and elaborately decorated in colored lacquer with floral patterns; together with a gold four-case lacquer inro decorated in hiramaki-e, hirame, nashiji, shibuichi and gold metal inlays with Saigyo Hoshi traveling on horseback through a landscape with Mount Fuji, with white shell inlay of flying cranes, signed Shokasai, and with a metal inlaid signature Nobukatsu (for the metalwork), fitted with a wood netsuke of a seated horse, signed Kokei, and a shibuichi spherical ojime; together with a double-fan (sensu) shaped gold lacquer tebako (box and cover) decorated in silver and gold hiramaki-e with Mount Fuji and Miho no Matsubara pine groves, the sides with various shell decoration on a silverfish ground, the interior of the lid decorated with swirls, fitted with an interior tray with a dragon design, all set within a fitted glass display case (7)

Collection of Heber R. Bishop (1840-1902), and thence by descent. 

Thomas E. Kirby, The Art Collection formed by the Late Heber R. Bishop, New York, 1906, the figural group: cat. no. 1559; the inro: cat. no. 1465; the tebako: cat. no. 1546 (engravings by G. E. Burr) (fig. 1)

The figural group overall in fair condition with light wear. One of the boys has lost toes on one foot, a chip to a corner of his garment, and small cracks at his wrists. Both figures' hands with traces of glue re-attachment to the arms, and one of them slides out when pulled. The tray with a pen marking to the base, and small cracks and minute losses where the hands meet it. The inro overall in good condition with light wear throughout. One tier with three small chips to the interior. An inventory number marked in pen is in the interior of the top. The netsuke with light wear and a pen inventory marking. The tebako box overall with light wear. The cover with a lacquer flake chip measuring approx. 1.5 cm wide to a corner, with an associated crack running down the side. The tray in good condition with light wear. The box with a separated section of the riser measuring approx 4 cm wide, separated but retained.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.