A fine black lacquer four-case inro. Attributed to Ogawa Haritsu (Ritsuo, 1663-1747), 18th century. photo Bonhams

Of upright form, the roiro ground fading to dark brown, decorated with the 'Great Ship' from China, lacquered in tsuishu and gold and coloured takamakie, with coloured pottery and mother-of-pearl inlay, three crew members standing on the deck of the ship, the high prow of which is inlaid with studs of green and black stone, above turbulent water of gold and silver takamakie and e-nashiji with togidashi details, the interior of rich nashiji; signed Bukanshi Ritsuo kin sei. 9.5cm (3¾in). Estimate: £10,000 - 15,000, JPY 1,200,000 - 1,800,000, US$ 16,000 - 23,000

中国帆船図螺鈿蒔絵印籠　銘「卯観子笠翁謹製」　18世紀　

Provenance: Wilson Crewdson collection, sold at Sotheby's London, 8th May 1919, lot 153.
F. A. Richards collection, sold at Sotheby's London, 16th July, 1963, lot 248.
Carlo Monzino collection, sold at Sotheby's London, 21st June 1995, lot 416.

Bonhams. The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, New Bond Street, 8 Nov 2011 www.bonhams.com