Case (Inrō) with Design of Sheaves of Rice in Boats 19th century

This Case (Inrō) with Design of Sheaves of Rice in Boats was crafted by the Koma School, its date is unknown. Inrō are traditional Japanese cases suspended from the obi (sash) worn with kimono, and they offer us a glimpse into the values of the society that produced them. The delicate, detailed craftsmanship speaks to the social status of the person who would have commissioned it. The choice of rice sheaves evokes the agricultural backbone of Japanese society, but these aren't just any rice fields; they're being transported by boat, suggesting trade and movement. Consider that agricultural labor has historically been gendered, with women often playing critical roles in rice cultivation. This scene, therefore, may be a quiet nod to their contributions or perhaps an idealized vision of rural life, removed from the realities of the working class. The inrō, in its function as a personal accessory, becomes a canvas reflecting societal ideals and economic realities.