Artwork preview

Case (Inrō) with Design of a Stylized Archaic Character in Relief

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown cylindrical case with a braided cord handle. The case is made of a material that resembles lacquered wood or metal, featuring a textured surface. It has a rounded top and bottom, with a flat front and back. The case is divided into three horizontal sections by thin raised lines. A large, stylized archaic character in relief is centered on the front. The case has a dark brown patina, with lighter brown and reddish-brown areas where the surface is worn. The braided cord handle is made of a light brown material.

Artwork Details

Medium
Lacquer, copper metal with dark patina, embossed relief, applied cord runners; Interior: black lacquer and metal
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 379 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette