Two-piece inro

Japan, 19th century

Wood carving, lacquer, replica of a wicker basket with flowers, surface decorated with gold and coloured lacquer, round ojime in red and gold; the netsuke is missing.

H: 5 cm, W: 2.7 cm / L: 5 cm

O 290

An inro is a box for holding small objects (usually medicines and a personal seal) that was hung on a cord with an ojime bead; a netsuke button was at the end of the cord. The inro was suspended behind an obi sash.