Description
This Inro has a flat square shape and is divided into three layers. A string was passed to both sides of each step, fastened with netting to prevent falls. Also, thanks to the Makie (蒔絵) technique, this Inro is luxurious. 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.
This Inro depicts a woman in a beautiful Kimono carrying buckets filled with sea water on one side and a Kimono hanging from a pine tree on the other. Even the sand on the beach seems to be sparkling. In the old days, such as the Edo period, it was necessary to go to the sea, rivers, or wells to fetch water. Also, tools called Tenbinbo (天秤棒, balance stick) and Mizuokea (水桶, water bucket) were used to collect water, as seen in this work.
If you look closely at the water buckets, you would find a wave pattern is depicted on them. As waves’ movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and terrain of rocks, some people hoped for a strong will by using this motif. People used this pattern wishing for an indomitable spirit to rechallenge time and time without giving up. Thanks to its dynamic design, this motif has been appreciated, especially for men’s Kimono (traditional Japanese costume).
Pine trees often grow near seashores. Also, as pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold, people thought this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called Tokiwa-Iro (常盤色, evergreen trees’ dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name “Tokiwa-Gi (常盤木).” Tokiwa means immutability, so Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. It is said this color was appreciated, especially in the Edo period, as a good-luck color. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason that people love this motif.
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 Ojime of this Inro seems to be made from a kind of stone. Also, the motif of Netsuke (根付, miniature sculpture, fastener) seems to be a seashell or a bird tail. Seashell is called Kai (貝) in Japanese. Because of its pronunciation, the seashell has another meaning. There is a word Yarigai (やりがい, worthwhile). As a part of this word has the same accent as Kai (貝 is read Gai in some cases), Japanese people found this meaning. Also, since seashells are hard and combine only with their pair, people thought it represented a robust defense. Due to these meanings that inspire warriors who go to the battlefields, Samurais might have loved this motif.
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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【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【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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