Case (Inrō) with Design of Momotarō and Dog on the way to the Island of the Devils (obverse); Monkey with Pheasant (reverse) 19th century

This 19th-century inrō (a traditional Japanese case for small items) by the artist Kogyoku Tokayo features an intricate design of Momotarō, a legendary hero, on his journey to the Island of the Devils. On the obverse, Momotarō is depicted with his faithful dog, while the reverse shows a monkey and pheasant, two of his other companions. The detailed, multi-layered composition showcases the skill of the artist, using a combination of techniques including maki-e (sprinkled gold and silver), takamaki-e (raised gold and silver) and hiramaki-e (flat gold and silver). The inrō is a beautiful example of Japanese craftsmanship, with its vibrant colors and rich details.