Style of Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891)A lacquer tonkotsu (tobacco container) in the form of an ink cakeEdo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th centuryOf rectangular section with internal cord-runners, the entire surface covered in black lacquer carved to resemble a chipped, antique Chinese ink cake, decorated on one side with the characters Horodai (Precious Dew Tower) in a central reserve surrounded by a frieze of ancient musical instruments and other motifs, on the other side light emanating from a ceremonial vessel spouting auspicious clouds and an impressed seal Kan, with signature on the base in scratched characters Zeshin utsutsu (Copied by Zeshin) 3 7/8in (9.8cm) high注脚For a tonkotsu of very similar design, see Nikkei Inc., ed., Edo Chic/Meiji Technique: The Art of Shibata Zeshin featuring the Edson Collection, Tokyo, Nikkei Inc., 2009, pl. E-28, p. 50