Five-case inro showing flowering cherry branches seen through a bamboo blind c. 19th century

This five-case inro at the Minneapolis Institute of Art by the Kajikawa School presents a fascinating interplay of form and function. The inro, a small, tiered case, is rendered in lustrous black lacquer, adorned with flowering cherry branches in gilded relief. The bamboo blind motif is suggested by the horizontal divisions of the stacked cases. Consider how the artist has used the verticality of the inro to simulate the height of bamboo. The cascading cherry blossoms, depicted with delicate lines and subtle gradations of gold, create a sense of depth and movement against the flat, dark background. The composition is carefully balanced, with the upper and lower registers mirroring each other, reinforcing the structural harmony of the piece. The inro challenges our perceptions of space and perspective. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail invite us to contemplate the relationship between art, nature, and the everyday object. The choice of materials, with the contrast between the smooth lacquer and the textured gold, emphasizes the tactile quality of the work, reminding us of the artist's hand in its creation.