STYLE OF SHIBATA ZESHIN (1807-1891)
A Lacquer Tonkotsu (Tobacco Container) in the Form of an Ink Cake
Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century
Of rectangular section with internal cord runners, the entire surface covered in black lacquer carved to resemble a chipped, antique Chinese ink cake, decorated on one side with the characters Hōrodai (Precious Dew Tower) in a central reserve surrounded by a frieze of ancient musical instruments and other motifs, on the other side light emanating from a ceremonial vessel spouting auspicious clouds and an impressed seal Kan, with signature on the base in scratched characters Zeshin utsutsu (Copied by Zeshin)
3 7/8in (9.8cm) high
Footnotes:
For a tonkotsu of very similar design, see Nikkei Inc., ed., Edo Chic/Meiji Technique: The Art of Shibata Zeshin Featuring the Edson Collection, Tokyo, Nikkei Inc., 2009, pl. E-28, p. 50

Including, but not limited to the following:

There is some minor build up of white acretion in the crevices of the seal on the reverse, as visible in the catalogue illustration.
Some very minor, small and shallow surface dents (1mm approx) to one side, just below the joint with the cover. The bottom case shows some minor shrinkage so the joint line of the core beneath the lacquer surface is just visible-- however there are no surface cracks. Some mnior surface wear to the riser of the interior case.