Japanese Edo period carved wood monkey 'hear no evil' inro
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 19th century CE
This Japanese inro, dating to the Edo or Meiji era (ca. 19th century), is a highly sculptural container carved from wood in the form of a seated monkey. The figure is depicted in the traditional 'hear no evil' pose, with its hands covering its ears.
The carving exhibits meticulous detail, featuring naturalistic fur textures and expressive facial features accented by inlaid black glass eyes. The monkey wears a stylized happi coat adorned with incised floral crests and Japanese character symbols, which may represent a mon or carry an auspicious meaning. The inro is constructed of two interlocking halves secured by a silk cord, allowing the figure to open and reveal a hollow interior compartment.
Historically, such containers were utilized for carrying small personal items, including medicines, seals, or powders. Despite minor condition notes, such as interior rim loss and surface staining, the piece remains a detailed example of 19th-century Japanese craftsmanship. The container measures 3 inches by 3 inches (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm).
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
- wood, black glass, silk cord
- Dimensions
- 3" W x 3" H (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm)
Technical characteristics
- Construction
- two interlocking halves
Design
- Inlay
- black glass eyes
- Motif
- monkey in 'hear no evil' pose, happi coat with floral crests and Japanese characters
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.