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Japanese Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Inro, Meiji Period, late 19th c, Japan

$2,300
£1,746.12
€1,997.19
CA$3,213.43
A$3,574.04
CHF 1,866.25
MX$43,492.26
NOK 23,834.89
SEK 22,352.92
DKK 14,905.79
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About the Item

A good Japanese carved cinnabar three case inro with mixed metal ojime, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The three case inro of standard form, comprised of three container sections and a cover, strung on a red silk cord, and secured with a mixed metal ojime bead. The inro carved all over in a dense geometric pattern of octagons, each with a carved blossom in the center, and rhombuses to the corners. This pattern is based on a brocade pattern, called kikko, representing longevity. The octagonal shape is thought to resemble the patterning of a tortoise shell. Tortoises are symbols of longevity in Japan. The interior compartments of the case with a maki-e lacquer nashiji ground for the risers, vermillion red lacquer for the compartment interiors, and a gold lacquer ground, fudame, for the rims and shoulders. The mixed metal ojime slide of cylindrical shape with a checked pattern of mixed metals. This pattern is also based on a brocade pattern, and is known as ichimatsu. Inro are a uniquely Japanese object. Because traditional Japanese kimono do not have pockets, inro were developed to hold personal seals, medicine, and other small items. They were hung from the obi, and secured with netsuke and ojime. While functional, they also served as symbols of status, wealth, and power. Inro were almost certainly the inspiration for the small vanity cases, necessaires, that were developed and popularized in the Art Deco period.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Width: 2.25 in (5.72 cm)Depth: 0.63 in (1.61 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Copper,Lacquer,Silk,Silver,Softwood,Hand-Carved,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    late 19th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. In overall good condition, with some dark staining to the recesses. The silk cord a later replacement. The ojime tarnished. Minor wear to the gold lacquer shoulders and rims, exposing the black lacquer below.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894734933952

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