Case (Inrō) with Design of Courtier Cleaning Another's Ear (obverse); Courtier Laughing (reverse) 18th - 19th century

This is an Inrō case by Kajikawa Hidetaka, whose dates are unknown. The artwork is undated, but made with lacquer and gold. Inrō were status symbols in Japanese society, often worn by samurai and wealthy merchants. They were small, segmented cases used to carry personal items like seals or medicine, reflecting the sartorial customs of the time when traditional garments lacked pockets. This Inrō offers a glimpse into the leisurely lives of courtly figures. The scene of one courtier attending to another's ear cleaning is intimate, while the reverse shows a courtier captured in laughter. Through these depictions, Hidetaka bridges the gap between the formality of court life and moments of personal interaction and emotion. The humor in these scenes, though subtle, invites us to reflect on the nature of human relationships. It underscores the shared experiences of joy and camaraderie, cutting through the strict social hierarchies of the time.