菊慈童蒔絵印籠|Inrō with “Chrysanthemum Youth” (Kikujidō)
Unknown Artist
first half of the19th century
Medium
Three cases; lacquered wood with togidashimaki-e imitating ink painting (togikirimaki-e) on gold and black lacquer ground Netsuke: purple and green ceramic shishi (Chinese lion) Ojime: inlaid metal with fruit basket
Dimensions
2 13/16 x 2 13/16 x 13/16 in. (7.1 x 7.1 x 2.1 cm)
Classification
Inrō
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1913
Accession Number
13.67.49
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Inrō with “Chrysanthemum” (Kikujidō)* is a masterful example of Edo-period (1615–1868) Japanese craftsmanship from the first half of the19th century. Inrō were compact, stackable lacquer boxes worn suspended from the sash by men to carry medicines, seals, or tobacco—elegant accessories blending functionality with artistry. This-case inrō, just 2 13/16 x 2 13/16 x 13/16 inches, human figures amid chrysanthemums, evoking themes of youth and seasonal beauty in Japanese culture. The artwork shines through its innovative lacquering: togidashimaki-e, a technique that polishes layere...