Case (Inrō) with Design of Bird in Flight above Rice Fields (obverse); Trees and Clouds (reverse) 19th century

This 19th-century *inrō* (a small, tiered case for carrying personal items) by Japanese artist Hogen Eisen is a prime example of the intricate art of *maki-e*. The *inrō* is decorated with gold and silver powder sprinkled onto a black lacquer ground, creating a shimmering surface. The front depicts a bird in flight over rice fields, while the back showcases a landscape with trees and clouds. This traditional design, employing the techniques of *maki-e* and *togidashi-e*, showcases the mastery of Japanese lacquer art. It is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.