Inro and Netsuke Set
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period (1615–1868)
This Japanese ensemble from the Edo period (1615–1868) consists of a carved wood inro paired with a matching netsuke, connected by a cord with a bead. The inro is executed in the form of a hollowed wooden slit drum or wooden fish block of the type struck during Buddhist rituals to keep time while chanting. It features gold-lacquered elements, dragon scale patterns, dragon faces, and scrolling motifs, evocative of a Chinese otherworldly theme.
The accompanying netsuke mirrors the percussion and Chinese motifs of the inro. It depicts a carved figure sporting a Chinese hairstyle who is shown marching alongside a drum nearly as large as himself. The entire ensemble is created from carved wood and preserves the functional cord assembly tying the container, bead, and toggle together as a complete set.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Inro and netsuke were commonly designed as paired sets sharing a unified visual and thematic motif. While many historical sets were separated in modern times to serve individual collecting markets for inro and netsuke, this example survives intact with both components.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved wood
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Japanese
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Museum object number
- 1900.1985
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.