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
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Japanese Lacquer Natsume, Tea Caddy, Meiji to Taisho, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Japanese maki-e lacquer natsume, tea caddy for matcha powder, with phoenix design, Meiji or Taisho period, circa 1910's, Japan.
The small round container of typical form for...
Category
Vintage 1910s Japanese Taisho Lacquer
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair Chinese Burl Hardwood Sculptures of Boys on Buffalo, Qing Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful pair of Chinese carved hardwood burl figures of boys riding on buffalo, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The pair of charming sculpture are each carved from a sing...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Glass, Hardwood, Burl
Pair Empire Style Malachite Obelisks with Ormolu Mounts, 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A classic and elegant pair of Empire Style malachite and malachite veneer obelisks with ormolu mounts, 20th century, France.
The tall obelisks of typical form, with a gently tapered...
Category
20th Century French Empire Revival Obelisks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Vintage Nepalese Tripod Incense Burner with Makara Design, 1950s
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive vintage Nepalese parcel gilt copper repoussé "Makara" tripod incense burner, mid 20th century, circa 1950's, Nepal.
The fantastic and dramatic large tripod ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Tibetan Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Japanese Kamakura Bori Lacquer Presentation Box, Showa Era, mid 20th century
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive Japanese red lacquered Kamakura-bori inscribed presentation box, featuring peony, Showa Era, mid 20th century, Japan.
The low box and cover carved with a bold and stri...
Category
Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Lacquer
Materials
Softwood, Lacquer
Tokuda Yasokichi I Kutani "Poppies" Vase, Meiji or Taisho Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A striking Japanese Kutani ware "Poppies" bottle vase by Tokuda Yasokichi I (1873 - 1956), Meiji to Taisho Period, circa 1915, Japan.
The attractive vase is decorated with a bold d...
Category
Vintage 1910s Japanese Showa Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Satsuma Wisteria Vase by Gyukuzan (Chin Jukan XII), Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite small Japanese Satsuma vase with a trailing wisteria design, signed Gyokuzan (Chin Jukan XII, b. 1835 - d. 1906), Meiji Period, late 19th century (between 1874 and 1897)...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
