A very unusual Hirado porcelain Inro, late Edo period circa 1820

This highly unusual inro comes from Hirado and more specifically from the Mikawachi kiln. The underglaze cobalt blue decor represents a different landscape in a quaterfoil reserve on each face, both on a treillis background. The inner rims are covered with gold lacquer. Hirado porcelain inros are very difficult find. The unique qualities of the Anakusa clay used in the porcelain, enable Hirado to produce very thin and refined products with more delicates decors than in Arita. Gold lacquer repair on top (kintsugi). Mounted on a silk cord with a porcelain ojime and wood and porcelain manju, probably from [...]