Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is a Japanese inro?
1 Answer
A Japanese inro is a small case, usually of lacquer or wood. They were used as personal storage cases, holding important small items, such as a personal seal. Japanese clothing did not have pockets, so inro were hung at the waist, and used like a wallet.
Lotus GalleryMarch 17, 2021
Shop More furniture from Lotus Gallery on 1stDibs
Large Satsuma Chin Jukan Parasol Form Bowl, Meiji Period, circa 1890, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An unusual and very attractive large Satsuma parasol shaped bowl signed Chin Jukan and attributed to Chin Jukan XII (1835 - 1906), Meiji Period, circa 1890, Japan.
The bowl of whims...
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Japanese Jugin Fine Silver Studded Hobnail Teapot, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large and fine Japanese pure silver (99%) "hobnail" tetsubin style teapot, late Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The beautifully executed teapot of kettle form, featuring a stunni...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Chinese Cobalt Blue Gilt Decorated Dragon Vase, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900
Located in Austin, TX
An lovely Chinese cobalt glazed and gilt decorated porcelain pear shaped vase, yuhuchunping, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The elegant vase of typical yuhuchunping (pear sha...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Archaistic Bronze Tripod Censer, late Qing Dynasty, c 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
A small and well cast Chinese archaistic bronze tripod incense burner, censer, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The small censer features a squat and bulbous body, very short n...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Ceramics
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Flower Vase, Edo to Meiji Period, circa 1860, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A striking Japanese cast and carved patinated bronze trumpet mouth vase for flower displays, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, circa 1860, Japan.
The tall and elegant bronze fl...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Silver Wire Cloisonne Vase Lamp, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A vibrant Japanese turquoise ground and silver wire cloisonne vase, now mounted as a lamp, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The tall vase of elegant rouleau shape, with a straight neck and body, slightly tapered food, and everted mouth. Crafted in the cloisonne technique upon a copper ground, the silver wires stand out and shimmer against the bright turquoise enamel ground. An ebullient design of blossoming peony (botanical) and morning glory (asago) graces the body of the vase. The large and heavy blooms of white peony especially striking and contrasting nicely with the more delicate and almost shy pastel morning glory blossoms hiding behind the large leaves.
The cloisonne enamels especially well done within the silver cloisons, with the leaves and flowers displaying masterful shading. The foot decorated with a geometric and floral border.
The vase drilled and wired and now mounted as a lamp. Set upon two wood bases. The actual lamp of brass plate, set with a single socket and tall, adjustable harp.
The lamp is topped by an antique 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty tumble polished natural rock crystal. The crystal finial originally served as a Chinese Mandarin hat finial...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Table Lamps
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver, Brass, Copper
Japanese Satsuma Incense Burner, Koro, with Silver Lid, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan.
The cens...
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Silver
