Case (Inrō) with Design of Arrowhead (Omodaka) (obverse); Clover (Mutsuba) (reverse) 19th century

This 19th century inrō, a type of small Japanese case, was crafted by Shibata Zeshin, a renowned master of lacquerwork. The inrō features a striking design on both sides, showcasing Zeshin’s mastery of maki-e, a technique that uses gold and silver powder to create intricate patterns. The obverse side depicts arrowhead (omodaka) plants, while the reverse side features a design of clover (mutsuba). The inrō is a testament to the beauty and artistry of Japanese lacquerwork, highlighting Zeshin’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of natural forms.