Five-case inro with decor of bushclover and butterflies c. mid 19th century

This five-case inro, a traditional Japanese container for carrying small personal items, was created by Tatsuke Takamasu in the mid-19th century. The inro, crafted from wood and adorned with intricate gold leaf decoration depicting bushclover and butterflies, is a testament to Takamasu's artistry and the refinement of Japanese lacquerware. It was part of a larger ensemble that included a cord and a netsuke, the small toggle that held the inro to a sash. The inro exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship that characterized Japanese art during the Edo period.