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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 Gallery
Lotus GalleryMarch 17, 2021
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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

Japanese Satsuma Dragon Vase, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
By Satsuma
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic small Japanese Satsuma vase with image of writhing dragons, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The vase of elegant baluster form, with a slightly flared foot, slender body...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware, Hardwood

Worcester Porcelain "Dragons in Compartments" Heart Shaped Dish, early 19th c
By Chamberlains Worcester
Located in Austin, TX
A fun and colorful English Chamberlains Worcester "Dragons in Compartments" heart or ruyi shaped enameled soft paste porcelain dish, early 19th century, circa 1810, Worcester, Englan...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English George III Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Kunisada II Woodblock Triptych "Twilight Snow at Mount Hira", Edo Period, c 1850
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic framed Japanese woodblock triptych by Utagawa Kunisada II (Toyokuni IV) entitled "Twilight Snow at Mount HIra" from the series "Eight Views of Omi", Edo period, circa 185...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Prints

Materials

Metal

Chinese Export Porcelain "Pronk Arbor" Dish, Qianlong Period, c 1738, China
By Cornelis Pronk
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and rare Chinese Export famille rose enameled porcelain "Pronk Arbor" plate, 18th century, Qianlong Period, circa 1738, China. A beautifully decorated Chinese Export porcelai...
Category

Antique 1730s Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Enamel

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