Case (Inrō) with a Fox from the Kyōgen Play The Fox Hunter (Tsurigitsune); Hunter behind Haystacks from the Kyōgen Play "Hakuzōsu" (reverse) 19th century

This 19th century inrō (a small, tiered case) by the renowned Japanese lacquer artist Shibata Zeshin, is a fine example of the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry of the Edo period. The inrō depicts scenes from two Kyōgen plays, traditional Japanese comic dramas. One side portrays a hunter hiding behind haystacks from the play "Hakuzōsu", while the other shows a fox from the play "The Fox Hunter" (Tsurigitsune). The inrō's intricate details, including the use of gold and silver leaf, reveal Zeshin's exceptional skill in maki-e (lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder) and hiramaki-e (lacquer with gold or silver powder applied flat). These techniques create a stunning visual narrative that reflects the themes of the plays, showcasing the inrō's cultural significance and aesthetic beauty.