A gold-lacquer five-case inro By Shomosai Masamitsu, early 19th century The kinji ground, lacquered on one side with a flaming dragon among clouds and on the other with three puppies among grasses, in gold, silver and slight-coloured takamaki-e, the interior of nashiji with kinji edges; signed Shomosai saku. 9.2cm (3 5/8in) high. Footnotes: リザーブ設定無し 龍に仔犬図蒔絵印籠　銘「松茂斎作」　19世紀前期 Provenance: purchased from Eskenazi Ltd., London, 1972. Wrangham collection, no.1183. The dragon and dog are respectively 5th and 11th in the cycle of zodiac animals, meaning that they also represent opposite times of the day. The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art: Part IV, lot 278. www.bonhams.com/auctions/20493/lot/278/ Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com