Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.860)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1700–1868
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. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1916.860: Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines (葡萄に栗鼠蒔絵印籠), 1700–1868. Japan, Edo period (1615–1868). Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e); overall: 8 x 5.8 cm (3 1/8 x 2 5/16 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 2
- 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
- Materials
- 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.)
- Measurements
- Overall: 8 x 5.8 cm (3 1/8 x 2 5/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- Lacquer on wood with sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1700–1868
- Culture period
- Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1916.860
- Museum classification
- Lacquer
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm carver or lacquer artist signature and date against netsuke and inro references.