Description
This Inro has a flat rectangular shape and is divided into six 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 sitting and looking outside in the aristocratic residential palace surrounded by pine trees. Perhaps this scene might come from the Genji Monogatari (源氏物語, The Tale of Genji), which is a classic of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century during the Heian period. It is said to be the world’s oldest long novel and is considered one of the three great classics of the world. Scenes of the Genji Monogatari have been used as a popular motif in various kinds of works since ancient times.
This story depicts the lives of noble courtiers during the Heian period. The protagonist is Hikaru Genji, who was born the second son of the emperor. The story also focuses on Hikaru Genji’s love life and describes the customs of the aristocratic society of the time. Hikaru Genji falls in love with many women, and the woman depicted in this Inro might be one of them. This woman seems in a pensive mood and might be thinking of Hikaru Genji.
Regarding pine trees, as they 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 an actor of traditional performing arts, such as Noh (能, a form of Japanese drama performed in masks and costumes) and Kabuki (歌舞伎, a classical form of Japanese dance-drama) plays. If you look at the clothing called Hakama (袴, a type of traditional Japanese clothing), you would find a flower-motif pattern, which is called Hanabishi (花菱). In this Hanabishi pattern, petals are designed in a rhombus. This pattern became a Yusoku Monyou (有職文様, generic term for designs of court nobles’ clothing or furnishings, these designs have unique and elegant styles) during the Heian period (794-1185). People loved it as an auspicious pattern. Also, it is said that since this pattern is elegant and prestigious, it was appropriate for festive occasions such as weddings, and considered to represent longevity and prosperity of descendants.
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】
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【How to make sure the condition】
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