Case (Inrō) with Design of Hō-ō Bird in Flight (obverse); Inscription (reverse)

Oval-shaped case with black background and red accents. The obverse side features a relief design of a Hō-ō bird in mid-flight, with intricately detailed feathers and curved body. The bird's head is turned to the left. The reverse side displays a central inscription in gold, comprising two vertical lines of text. The case is divided into three horizontal sections by two thin lines. The border around the case is decorated with a wave-like pattern. The case appears to be made of lacquer or a similar material, with a subtle sheen. A small loop or handle is visible at the top of the case. The background behind the case is a muted brown color.

Artwork Details

Date: mid-19th century
Medium: Lacquer, brown, red mottled ground, brown hiramakie, takamakie; Interior: silver and brown lacquer
Culture: Japan
Dimensions: 598 × 303 px
Public Domain: Yes
Museum Record: View original

Palette