Inro: Gold lacquer with silver flower
early 19th century
In early modern Japan, men suspended small containers (inrō) for carrying personal items (such as herbs and seals) over the sashes of their robes using a toggle (netsuke) connected by silk cords held by a fastener (ojime). All these items were made of a diversity of materials, were often elaborately carved and decorated, and offered the wearer an opportunity for self-expression. Inrō were commonly commissioned and might feature designs made or inspired by leading artists of the day.
Sakai Hо̄itsu, the artist to whom this inrо̄ is traditionally attributed, was an artist of the Rinpa lineage. He zestfully studied the works of the earlier artists Ogata Kо̄rin (1658–1716), the rin of whose name inspired the name of the school, as well as his brother Ogata Kenzan (1663–1743).
Case (inro): Wood, lacquer, gold, and silver; Toggle (netsuke): Possibly cast copper alloy with gilding
2 3/4 x 1 7/8 x 3/4 in. (6.99 x 4.76 x 1.91 cm)
Dr. Duncan MacTavish Fuller
55.50
Provenance: Courtright House, Inc.; Duncan MacTavish Fuller; Seattle Art Musem, Seattle, Washington, 1955
