A gold lacquer five-case inro. By Tokosai Masashige, mid-late 19th century. Photo Bonhams.

Decorated in gold and slight-coloured takamaki-e and mura-nashji with a continuous design of five horses pasturing beneath branches of cherry blossoms, the interior of rich nashiji, signed Masashige saku with tsubo seal. 9.2cm (3 5/8in) high. Estimate £3,000 - 4,000 (€3,700 - 4,900)

Notes: Published: the artist is recorded by E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inrō Artists, Harehope, Northumberland, 1995, p.168, listed, and its signature reproduced.

Bonhams. FINE JAPANESE ART, London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/