TOYOSAI: A FINE SUMI TOGIDASHI-E GOLD LACQUER THREE-CASE INRO WITH CROWS AND MOON By Toyosai, signed Toyosai 桃葉斎 and inscribed Hogen Hidenobu ga 法眼英信画 Japan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868) The wide-bodied three-case inro bearing a kinji ground and lacquered in brilliant sumi togidashi-e (imitating ink wash painting) depicting three crows sat upon a plum tree branch in front of the moon, the design continuing onto the verso with the other half of the moon and two further crows sat on the same plum tree. Signed underneath TOYOSAI and inscribed Hogen Hidenobu ga 法眼英信画 [copied from a design by Hogen Hidenobu]. The interior compartments in three shades of gold and silver fundame. SIZE 7.7 x 7.6 cm Condition: Two crows on the verso re-lacquered on the surface. Some microscopic chips to the edges of risers. Minor surface wear. Provenance: European collection, purchased from Sagemonoya, Tokyo. The design is taken from a painting by Kano Hidenobu/Eishin (1580-1672) who worked in the service of the Shogunate in Edo. Auction comparison: For a related inro by Jokasai, also copied from a design by Hogen Hidenobu, see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2020, London, lot 256 (sold for 5,040 GBP).