Japanese wooden three-case inro with inlaid figurative scene, signed Ryubo
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This Japanese three-case inro is constructed from wood and features a detailed carved wickerwork ground. Measuring 8.9 x 5.6 cm, the surface is embellished with elaborate figurative inlays crafted from mother-of-pearl and ivory, supplemented by delicate makie lacquer work and black horn accents.
The design depicts a narrative scene: one side shows an archer carrying a biwa on his back and aiming an arrow at a nobleman on the reverse side, who is shown protecting an oni with a monkey-like face. The bottom compartment of the inro includes a specialized section designed for ink and a round seal. The piece is complete with a cord, a small bone ojime bead, and an accompanying ivory netsuke representing Shiba onko.
The netsuke is signed by the artist Ryubo. This traditional Japanese accessory for holding small personal items exemplifies high-level craftsmanship through its multi-material composition and intricate figural imagery typical of 19th-century Japanese decorative arts.
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, mother-of-pearl, ivory, bone, horn
- Dimensions
- 8.9 x 5.6 cm
Technical characteristics
- Features
- Compartment for ink and a round seal
- Construction
- Three-case inro
Design
- Decoration
- Inlaid figures of an archer with a biwa and a nobleman with an oni on a wickerwork ground
- Netsuke subject
- Shiba onko
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.
- Maker named in listing
- Ryubo
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.