A VERY RARE INRO ZUSHI (PORTABLE SHRINE) WITH KOKUZO BOSATSU Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The outside appearing like a conventional saya-inro fitted into a shibuichi sheath. The front and back with very fine gold, silver and red togidashi-e lacquer depicting two Nios (temple guardians) behind a temple gate, one of them holding a vajra. The ground is lacquered in black roiro-nuri with sparse gold flakes. The temple guardians are protecting what is revealed inside, and what a revelation it is! Inside is a hidden zushi (portable shrine) depicting Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akashagarbha Bodhisattva) atop a flaming lotus pedestal, holding a sword and tama (sacred jewel). The details are rendered in extremely fine polychrome lacquer and pigments. The opposite panel depicts a stylized lotus flower shedding five leaves. With a silvered brass ojime of two masks and a kagamibuta netsuke showing the Nara Daibutsu, signed NAGATOSHI 長利. HEIGHT (of inro) 10 cm Condition: The inro in good condition with minor general wear, thin cracks to the side, a small chip to the underside and minor wear to the inside. The kagamibuta netsuke with a large chip to the ivory bowl. Provenance: Collection Patrick Donald, who formed an eclectic collection of Japanese Art. With neatly written cue card with detailed description and sketches.