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.
The front side depicts a man holding a bamboo basket full of clams, while the back features a woman and a child. The scene shows the man smiling as he holds a clam in his palm, seemingly showing it to someone, while the woman and child appear to be looking at it and saying something. This interaction suggests that they share a close relationship. Based on this, it can be inferred that the theme of this maki-e artwork is likely the family life of common people during the Edo period.
Also, the stick, placed in front of the man, with two baskets attached to each end was called Tenbinbo (天秤棒, balance pole or stick). In the Edo period (1603-1867), there were people who sold foodstuffs such as shellfish, fish, and vegetables or daily necessities such as tableware by hanging boxes or baskets from both ends of a balance pole and carrying the pole on their shoulders. They were called Botefuri (棒手振, street merchants who carried goods hanging from a pole). The man depicted in this Inro might be one of them.
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 and the motif of Netsuke (根付, miniature sculpture, fastener) is a turtle and a baby turtle. The turtle is a symbol of good fortune, longevity, and prosperity in Japan, making it a very auspicious animal. Since a family is depicted on this inro, it may symbolize a wish for their happiness to last for a long time, as well as a desire for the prosperity of future generations.
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】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order.
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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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