Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines

The collection record classifies this work as lacquer. It is dated 1700–1868. Recorded culture or place: Japan, Edo period (1615–1868).

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OBJECT RECORD

A closer look at the details.

Museum title: Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines
Date: 1700–1868
Culture / origin: Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Materials and technique: Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e)
Dimensions: Overall: 8 x 5.8 cm (3 1/8 x 2 5/16 in.)
Artist / maker: Not specified by the museum
Museum: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Accession number: 1916.860

FROM THE MUSEUM

In the museum’s words

The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.

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.

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