YOSHIDA RYŪSAI A Gold and Black Lacquer Tonkotsu Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th centuryProperty of various ownersYOSHIDA RYŪSAIA Gold and Black Lacquer Tonkotsu Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th centuryOf rounded rectangular profile with squared-off sides and applied cord-runners, the ground of gold okibirame flakes on black lacquer, decorated in high-relief gold, silver, and colored takamaki-e with a toad and snake, the interior red lacquer, the shoulders and risers gold fundame, signed on the base Ryūsai, black stone ojime 3 5/8 x 2 3/4 x 7/8in (9.2 x 7 x 2.3cm)For this artist, see E.A. Wrangham, The Index of Inrō Artists, Harehope, Northumberland, 1995, p.216.