Four-case lacquer inro with cat motif

This Japanese four-case inro dates from the Edo period, specifically the 19th century. Inro were traditional tiered containers used to carry small personal items, typically worn suspended from an obi sash.

This particular example is constructed from lacquer with a black ground, which is decorated with gold hirame powder. The surface features detailed imagery of playful cats rendered in a combination of hiramaki-e and takamaki-e techniques, incorporating shades of gold, aokin, and silver. The interior of the cases is finished in nashiji. The piece measures 2 3/4 inches (6.98 cm) in height, 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width, and 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) in depth.

It is accompanied by an associated cord and a spherical agate bead ojime, which serves as a sliding toggle to hold the cases together. The overall craftsmanship reflects the high technical standards of Edo period lacquerware, balancing decorative artistry with functional design for personal utility.