Shoki and Demon Inro

18th Century
Lacquer
Made by Yamada Jokasai.
Japan
7cm x 5cm

This five tier inro is rectangular in form and is matched with a plum-coloured silk tie and apricot coloured top bead (ojime). On one side of the inro, emerging from the shiny black lacquer background sits Shoki atop a mythical Shishi dog. In Chinese folklore, Shoki is said to be a menacing demon slayer able to command up to 80,000 demons. Here, he is depicted in gold, replete with a wide brimmed hat and wrathful expression. Throughout this piece you will find clever uses of different lacquers such as Shoki’s sash which is adorned in a mother of pearl (raden) inlay and the mane and claws of the Shishi dog which are highlighted in red lacquer. The other side of this inro features a scrambling demon, taking shelter under the branches of a willow tree. He is depicted running in the opposite direction from Shoki who lays in wait on the other side. The interior has been covered in a simple smooth gold finish.