Case (Inrō) with Landscape Design of Sumiyoshi Shrine 1790 - 1810

This is a black lacquer case, or Inrō, decorated with a landscape design of Sumiyoshi Shrine, created by Kyūho in Japan during the late 18th or early 19th century. Inrō cases were functional objects worn by men of the samurai class and wealthy merchants. This particular case, however, transcends mere utility through its elaborate depiction of Sumiyoshi Shrine, a sacred site associated with poetry, travel, and protection. What does it mean to carry around a miniature landscape of cultural and spiritual significance? The meticulous details and choice of imagery speak to the cultural values attached to landscape and travel in Edo period Japan. The artist masterfully employs the technique of maki-e, sprinkling gold and silver powder onto the wet lacquer to create luminous, ethereal effects. The scene captures a journey, and the emotional resonance of pilgrimage and connection to place. By evoking a sense of reverence for nature and tradition, the case not only serves as a personal accessory but also as a portable symbol of cultural identity.