“Inrō and Netsuke,” from the series Famous Leathers, Inrō, and Netsuke (Meibutsu kawa, inrō, netsuke) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2 1810s

This print, part of the series “Famous Leathers, Inrō, and Netsuke,” was created by Kubo Shunman in Japan during the Edo period. The print showcases an inrō, a traditional Japanese case for holding small objects, alongside a netsuke, a carved toggle used to secure the inrō to an obi. During the Edo period, fashion, art, and culture flourished, especially among the merchant classes. The intricate details of the inrō and netsuke reflect the rising demand for luxury goods and personalized accessories during this era. The depiction of these items elevates them beyond mere functional objects, transforming them into symbols of identity and status. The print highlights how fashion was not just about clothing, but about expressing oneself through carefully selected accessories. Reflecting on this image, one considers how personal adornment has been and continues to be a powerful way to express identity, aspirations, and cultural values.