Description
This Inro is luxurious, thanks to the Makie (蒔絵) technique. The Makie is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1,200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works, as seen in this Inro case.
In this work, you would find the figures of several Saru (猿, monkey). And the shape of this Inro resembles a Kuri (栗, chestnut). The motif of the Netsuke (根付, miniature sculpture, fastener) is also a chestnut. The fruits of chestnut are covered with chestnut burrs, and these burrs are expressed with the Makie technique. Chestnut itself has some varieties as motifs, such as the Kachi-Guri (搗栗, dried chestnuts). It is sometimes found as a motif for sword mountings due to its name. As its name, Kachi-Guri has the same pronunciation as a Japanese word: Kachi (勝ち, victory). We imagine Samurai warriors appreciated it as a good-luck omen to hope for success in battles. Also, the Kuri is enjoyed as a familiar food for Japanese people. For example, there is a traditional dish for Osechi-Ryori (お節料理, Japanese New Year’s food) that contains chestnuts. It is called the Kuri-Kinton (栗きんとん) and is always selected as a lucky charm to strengthen the fortune and game luck in New Year’s Osechi dishes.
Speaking of the combination of monkeys and chestnuts, it reminds us of a Japanese folktale called the Saru Kani Gassen (猿蟹合戦, The monkey and the crab). Although there are regional differences, the story’s outline is that of a cunning monkey who tricks and kills a crab and then gets revenge on the murdered crab cubs. Chestnuts burned the monkey by ramming it as part of the revenge against the monkey. It is unknown whether this story influenced this work. However, we hope such a perspective will increase the enjoyment of viewing.
The Ojime (緒締, part between the Inro case and the Netsuke) is a component that prevents the Inro case from opening, and it also has another role in combining two strings into one. The motif of this work’s Ojime is a monkey with an adorable appearance that hugs the string tightly.
We hope you enjoyed this description and wish this Inro would speak to you.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
What is Inro?
Inro is a small container for carrying medicine and tobacco leaves. In the Edo period, Samurai had a habit of carrying regular medicines in Inro, which were used daily and were popular as accessories that represent Edo crafts.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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【Shipping duration】
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【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
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【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
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