TAIGYO YAMADA: A LACQUERED HINOKI WOOD BOX DEPICTING ONI NO NEMBUTSU By Taigyo Yamada, signed Taigyo Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The box and cover of rectangular shape, beautifully lacquered in cinnabar red, silver and gold, executed in kiji maki-e and in high relief, with a repenting oni reciting Buddhist prayer (oni no nembutsu), his arms raised high with one hand clutching an arm, which is reminiscent of the awakening of Daruma. A closed parasol stands behind the demon, with a mokugyo at his side, also bearing the artist's incised signature TAIGYO, and a beater below. The underside and interior of the box and cover with roironuri. Taigyo Yamada was a lacquer artist who worked in Edo during the early 19th century and is particularly known for his inro of exceptional quality. SIZE 7.5 x 15.5 x 12 cm Condition: Good condition with minor, age-related wear and some miniscule chips to the wood and few, small losses to the roironuri. The kiji maki-e lacquer with very few, tiny losses that are almost invisible to the naked eye. Provenance: French private collection, ex collection Melvin and Betty Jahss, by repute. Literature comparison: For inros by the same artist, see Raymond Bushell, The Inro Handbook, p. 212, nos. 313, 314, 315.