Case (Inrō) with Design of Chinese Hermit Washing His Ears at a Waterfall (obverse); Chinese Hermit Leading an Ox (reverse)

18th–19th century

Not on view

The design of this inrō depicts the reaction of two famous Chinese hermits at receiving an imperial summons to serve at court. On one side, Kyoyū is shown washing out his ears, contaminated by the news, in a waterfall; the other side shows Sōfu leading away his ox lest it drink from the water.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Case (Inrō) with Design of Chinese Hermit Washing His Ears at a Waterfall (obverse); Chinese Hermit Leading an Ox (reverse)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th–19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Ivory, carved relief, stained, incised; Interior: plain
Ojime: Ivory bead with metal band
Netsuke: Carved ivory with design of Chinese lion and incense burner
Dimensions: 2 3/4 x 2 7/16 x 1 in. (7 x 6.2 x 2.5 cm)
Classification: Inrō
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. George A. Crocker (Elizabeth Masten), 1937
Object Number: 38.25.139
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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