Case (Inrō) with Design of Court Lady in Boat with Drum (obverse); Geese Taking Flight (reverse) 19th century

This 19th century inrō, a type of traditional Japanese container, is a stunning example of the artistry of Shibayama Shokasai. The inrō features a gold-lacquered surface with a design depicting a court lady in a boat with a drum on the obverse and geese taking flight on the reverse. These intricate scenes are executed in the maki-e technique, a decorative method that involves sprinkling gold or other precious materials onto a lacquer base. The inrō is also adorned with a netsuke, a small carved object that served as a toggle for the inrō's cord. This inrō, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese lacquer art.