Case (Inrō) with Design of Bean Vine and Moon 1700 - 1733

This inrō, a traditional Japanese container, is a fine example of the work of Shiomi Masanari, a leading lacquer artist of the Edo period. Dated between 1700 and 1733, the inrō is crafted from black lacquer and adorned with a design of a bean vine and moon, executed in gold and mother-of-pearl. Masanari's precise and detailed work showcases the intricate techniques of Japanese lacquer art, employing a combination of maki-e (sprinkled gold powder) and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay). The inrō is attached to a cord with a netsuke, a small carved figure, in this case, a reclining ox. This exquisite piece, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the beauty and sophistication of Japanese decorative arts.