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 Bronze Deer Incense Burner, Koro, Meiji Period, late 19th c, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant and ethereal Japanese bronze censer, koro, in the form of a deer, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan.
The deer is portrayed standing upon thin, spindly legs, one leg ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Kinkozan Satsuma Plate with Miniature Figures, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
By Kinkozan
Located in Austin, TX
A very finely painted Japanese Satsuma plate with miniature figural paintings, signed Kinkozan for the Kinkozan workshops, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The lovely plate crafted ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Sutra Box with Peony Mon, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A Japanese maik-e decorated black lacquer sutra box, kyobako, with peony mon design, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The elegant lacquer box originally crafted to hold sutras, sacr...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Lacquer
Materials
Copper
Japanese Bronze Water Coupe, Eguchi as Fugen, Edo/Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very finely cast Japanese bronze water coupe in the form of the courtesan Eguchi riding an elephant, signed Kazutada, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan.
The small and e...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bronze
Six Kinkozan Bowls with Birds and Flowers of the Months, Meiji Period, Japan
By Kinkozan
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine partial set of six Japanese Satsuma bowls decorated with flowers and birds of the months, signed Kinkozan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The set of six exquisitely pa...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vintage Burmese Reclining Buddha, Carved, Lacquered and Gilt Wood, circa 1970's
Located in Austin, TX
A charming vintage Burmese Mandalay Style carved, lacquered, and gilt wood figure of a reclining Buddha, 1970's, Burma.
The delightful Buddha figure is portrayed resting comfortably...
Category
Vintage 1970s Burmese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Large Japanese Imari Fluted Charger, Edo/Meiji Period, Mid 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Japanese Imari porcelain fluted charger with scalloped rim, signed Kaji(chu?), Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan.
The magnificent Japanese Imari charger measures 25" in diameter, and is decorated in the typical imari palette of underglaze blue with overglaze red, orange, blue, and green enamels with gilt highlights. The large charger also features fluted sides and a scalloped gilt rim.
The design of the charger is centered on a central floral medallion with three large chrysanthemum blossoms and vegetal scrolls. Radiating out from the central medallion are various brocade patterned sections that roughly follow the shape of the fluting. Some larger sections feature images of cranes and minogame (turtles with long tails), both symbols of longevity, while other feature dragons and phoenix, symbols of authority and power. Four large reserves depict charming scenes of a scholar and his students within a bamboo grove having discourse and examining scrolls.
The back of the charger decorated in underglaze blue with bold floral and vegetal scrolls. With a three character inscription in underglaze blue reading Kaji(chu?) Sei.
The charger is fitted with an antique metal hanger...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
