Tortoiseshell and Basketry Inrō

17th century
Not on view
The rare, early example in tortoiseshell was made at the beginning of the Edo period, when inrō were first developed. Several others from the seventeenth to the eighteenth century represent the early history and the high point of the object.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 亀甲竹細工印籠
  • Title: Tortoiseshell and Basketry Inrō
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Inrō: single case; tortoiseshell under rattan “net” covered with lacquer (urushi); ojime: flower petals, brushwood; patinated copper with mixed-metal inlays; netsuke: turtle; carved wood
  • Dimensions: H. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); W. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); D. 1 in. (2.6 cm)
  • Classification: Inrō
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.2153a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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