Inro (Case) with Mice and Beans (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.885)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 1800s
This round inro is decorated with an image of a single mouse feasting on beans. The theme is elaborated with a metal ojime (cinch) in the form of a cloth bag tied with rope—suggesting the food stores the mouse is raiding.
The carved wood netsuke, or toggle, is in the shape of a mouse clutching a nut. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1916.885: Inro (Case) with Mice and Beans (鼠に豆蒔絵印籠)), late 1800s. Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912). Lacquer on wood with color and sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e); diameter: 8.4 cm (3 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 color and sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e)
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- Lacquer on wood with color and sprinkled gold powder design (maki-e)
Identification
- Date recorded
- late 1800s
- Culture period
- Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1916.885
- 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.