Case (Inrō) in the Shape of an Ink Stick with Design of Hotei (Putai) (obverse); Musical Instruments (reverse)

Two black, circular objects with intricate designs. The left object features a figure of a man sitting on a cloth. The man has a round face and is wearing a robe. He sits cross-legged on a long, flowing cloth. The right object displays various symbols and markings. A central rectangle contains several characters. There are additional designs around the rectangle, including a musical instrument, a bird, and other ornaments. Both objects have a black cord threaded through two small holes on either side. The background is a light-brown color with some scratches and marks.

Artwork Details

Date: 19th century
Medium: Roiro ('waxen') lacquer with black hiramakie sprinkled and polished lacquer and takamakie sprinkled and polished lacquer relief; Interior: roiro; Netsuke: nut carved with Chinese sages and attendants; Ojime: carved peach stone with landscape and figures
Culture: Japan
Dimensions: 600 × 337 px
Public Domain: Yes
Museum Record: View original

Palette