Case (Inrō) with Design of Pine and Cherry Tree (obverse); Rooster and Hen on a Drum (reverse)

19th century

Not on view

After the seventeenth century, the combination of pearl shell and the "sprinkled gold" ( maki-e) technique is found in lacquers produced in both Japan and the Ryūkyū Islands. Both centers also produced works incorporating extremely thin pieces of mother-of-pearl, as here in the blue trunk of the pine tree and the white trunk of the entwined cherry. The dense, brocade-like patterning on the edges and ends, on the other hand, is more often attributable to the Ryūkyū Islands. When combined in one image, the tree peony and the hen at the base of the entwined trees, as well as the rooster and hen on the other side, are understood as symbols of honor and wealth.

Artwork Details

Title: Case (Inrō) with Design of Pine and Cherry Tree (obverse); Rooster and Hen on a Drum (reverse)
Period: Edo (1615–1868) or Meiji (1868–1912) period
Date: 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Black lacquer inlaid with gold foil and mother-of-pearl
Dimensions: 3 7/8 x 2 3/16 x 1 1/4 in. (9.8 x 5.5 x 3.2 cm)
Classification: Inrō
Credit Line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
Object Number: 29.100.728
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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