2 Japanese Antique Inro, probably dating to the Edo Period (1615-1868) one decorated with a bonzai, the other with a scarecrow in a rice field. Inro were once worn on a Obi or waist band. A netsuke, toggle at the top of the cord, held the Inro in place. The Ojime, or bead, on the cord helped to open and close the inro. Fashionable during the Edo and Meiji Periods, inro were containers for medicine or small things.

Inro are excellent examples of the artistry of Japanese lacquer. The black and gold inro is richly decorated with a scene of a rice field. One side is dominated by a scarecrow created from inlaid mother-of pearl (raden). Crows, staying a respectful distance, accent the other side. Maki-e, gold filings sprinkled on a red ground, decorate the interiors of the segments. The netsuke is a toggle decorated with floral motifs. Green mica accents the flowering branch and leaves at the top of the toggle.

The other Inro is decorated with a bonzai featuring red coral and shells. Miniature weapons, symbols of power and protection, accent the reverse side. The netsuke is a carved lotus blossom.

Dimensions: Inro with Crows: 3 1/4"; Inro with Coral: 2 3/4 "

Condition: Lacquer is in excellent condition. The cord on the Inro with Crows is broken.







































































Inro, dating from the Edo Period (1615-1868), are small, segmented boxes used for carrying medicine or small things. Hung over a waist band or obi, they are held in place by a netsuke, or toggle at the end of the cord. A bead, or ojime, is attached to the cord for sliding the boxes open and shut. These inro are excellent examples of lacquer artistry.
One inro is richly decorated with gold lacquer on black. A scarecrow, created with the raden technique (inlaid mother-of-pearl), dominates one side. It protects the nearly planted rice field from hungry crows, visible on the reverse side. Maki-e, gold filings sprinkled on a red ground, accent the interior of the segments. The netsuke is a toggle decorated with floral motifs. A large blossom is in slight relief; green mica accents the blossom's center and leaves.

The black inro is boldly decorated with a bonzai of red coral surrounded by shells; one accented with green mica. The reverse of the inro is decorated with miniature weapons, symbols of protection and power. The netsuke is a carved lotus blossom and the ojime is a jade bead.

Dimensions: Crow and Scarecrow Inro: H. 3 1/4 "; Inro with Red Coral: H. 2 10/16 ".

Condition: Lacquer designs on both are in excellent condition. The cord on the Inro with Crows is broken on one side.