INRŌ - Japan - Edo period (1603-1868) - 19th century

INRŌ
Japan
Edo period (1603-1868)
19th century
Lacquer, wood, mother-of-pearl, bone, glass, silk
H.: 6.4; W.: 5.3 cm
(Old Accidents)

Four-compartment box in red and gold lacquered wood; decorated with a tree with two plum blossoms—red lacquered and bone; flying petals in mother-of-pearl.
Interior of each compartment in black lacquer.

Each compartment conceals two internal side holes where the braided silk suspension link is slipped. The intermediate round bead is called the ojime.

Also called a medicine box, the inrō is a kimono accessory whose various superimposed compartments made it possible to carry small everyday objects - the kimono being a garment without pockets.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.: 6090