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Inrō with Geometric Pattern

first half of the19th century
Not on view
Although the pearl-shell motifs scattered over the surface of this inro appear floral, the lattice-like structure also identifies the design as an abstract representation of nets. Such a repetitive pattern over the entire surface may reflect the use of stencils to decorate Japanese textiles with small, repetitive patterns by the resist-dye technique, a tradition that flourished in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 幾何模様蒔絵印籠
  • Title: Inrō with Geometric Pattern
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: first half of the19th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Four cases; lacquered wood with metal and mother-of-pearl inlay on black lacquer ground; Netsuke: ryūsa type carved ivory; floral design; Ojime: metal bead with chrysanthemum
  • Dimensions: H. 3 7/16 in. (8.8 cm); W. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); D. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm)
  • Classification: Inrō
  • Credit Line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.100.885
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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