Case (Inrō) with Design of Three Horses Standing (obverse); Saddle Ends and Riding Whip (reverse)
19th century
Medium
Lacquer, kinji, gold and silver hiramakie, various metal inlay; Interior: nashiji and fundame
Dimensions
3 7/16 x 2 1/16 x 13/16 in. (8.8 x 5.2 x 2 cm)
Classification
Inrō
Culture
Japan
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
Accession Number
36.100.204
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 19th-century *inrō*, or lacquer case, crafted by the skilled Japanese artist Kakōs, exemplifies the pinnacle of Edo-period artistry. Worn suspended from a belt by netsuke and ojime (now absent), these compact containers were essential for samurai and merchants to carry medicines, seals, or tobacco, blending functionality with stunning aesthetics. Measuring just 3 7/16 x 2 1/16 x 13/16 inches, piece from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Howard Mansfield Collection highlights Japan's mastery of lacquerware during a time when such objects became coveted status symbols. The obverse...