Inro Case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This object is a Japanese lacquer inro case created in the early 19th century by Somada Mitsumine. The multi-tiered container has an upright, cylindrical form with flattened sides and rounded edges, strung on a cord through side channels. The exterior features a glossy black lacquer surface decorated with detailed inlay and metallic tones.
The front design depicts figures of children gathered around a large, broken jar from which water spills out, with pine branches visible near the top. The figures and vessel are rendered with metallic gold accents, colorful shell or foil inlays, and fine decorative patterns. The record notes the presence of inscriptions consisting of a cartouche and kakihan (written seal). Measuring 9.5 × 4.9 × 2.8 cm (3 3/4 × 1 15/16 × 1 1/8 in.), the inro represents Japanese lacquerware with inlay technique. It entered the museum collection as a bequest of Henry C. Schwab.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Lacquer with inlay
- Dimensions
- 9.5 × 4.9 × 2.8 cm (3 3/4 × 1 15/16 × 1 1/8 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Cartouche, kakihan
- Maker recorded
- Somada Mitsumine , Japanese, dates unknown
- 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
- Inro Case
- Museum object number
- 1943.976.3
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.