Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines
Unknown Artist
1700–1868
Medium
Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e)
Dimensions
8 × 5.8 cm
Classification
Lacquer
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of D. Z. Norton
Accession Number
1916.860
About this artwork
With multiple small compartments joined with a woven silk cord, inro are small cases that can be worn on one’s obi, the sash fastening a kimono. This one has a metal ojime, or small cinch, with a pierced floral design and a wood netsuke (toggle) carved with an autumnal design of quails in millet. The netsuke can be used both to pull the inro out and to help keep it in the obi. Squirrels in grapevines is a popular autumn motif.