Case (Inrō) with Design of Crickets 19th century

This is an inrō case by Onko Takanaga, made in Japan, though we don’t know exactly when. It's decorated with crickets, and crafted from carved lacquer. Inrō were small, tiered cases used in Japan to carry personal seals or medicines, suspended from the obi, or sash. They represent a fascinating intersection of art, fashion, and social custom. As functional objects, they reflect the dress codes of their time. But as meticulously crafted objects, they also served as a status symbol. The choice of crickets as a motif might seem simple, but in Japanese culture, insects often symbolize the changing seasons, and evoke deeper poetic and literary associations. The maker and user of this case were likely participants in a cultural world attuned to the nuances of nature and design. To fully understand the place of this inrō in Japanese society, we might consider not only its visual and material qualities but also consult historical records, literature, and other art forms to understand the changing social meanings of such portable objects.