Lacquer inrō

From Japan
Edo period, early 19th century AD

This inrō is made of black lacquer with a coloured shell inlay, gold foil and makie in Somada style. The Somada school was active throughout the Edo period (1600-1868), producing lacquer of extreme delicacy. This unusually colourful design of chrysanthemums (and bush clovers) behind a fence uses a wide range of materials and techniques with outstanding skill; many of the flowers are 'two-tone' pink and greenish-white, and at least two shades of gold are used.

L. Smith, V. Harris and T. Clark, Japanese art: masterpieces in (London, The British Museum Press, 1990)

Lacquer inrō

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On display

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