Case (Inrō) with Design of Hawks on Tasseled Perches 19th century

This 19th-century inrō, a traditional Japanese container, is a stunning example of the artistry of Kano Terunobu, a prominent painter of the Kano school. The inrō is decorated with two hawks perched on tasseled perches, their detailed feathers rendered in gold and blue lacquer. The intricate designs, including the perches and the hawks' fierce expressions, showcase the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic skill of the Kano school. The inrō's small size and delicate construction highlight the artistry of Japanese lacquerwork, a tradition dating back centuries. The piece is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, providing a glimpse into the beauty and skill of Japanese art.