Case (Inrō) with Design of Maple Tree and Stream 18th - 19th century

Curator: Here we have a delightful object: an Inrō, or traditional Japanese case, dating from the 18th to 19th century, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its creation is attributed to Ogata Kōrin. The design features a maple tree and stream. Editor: Oh, my gosh, it's absolutely darling! I'm immediately drawn to the way the shimmering mother-of-pearl contrasts with the dark, almost brooding background. There's something so evocative and slightly melancholy about it, like a snapshot of a forgotten autumn. Curator: It's meticulously crafted. The combination of materials is striking: wood forms the structure, enhanced with ceramic elements, and it is adorned with lacquer, carving and what looks like collage using textiles and different types of metal. Given inro’s function for carrying small objects such as seals and medicines, consider its cultural role regarding self-representation. Editor: Absolutely! It’s an intriguing intersection of form and function. Something tells me its beauty would've sparked joy for the owner during their daily life. I love how the artist transformed something ordinary into a miniature world! The artist is working at that intersection in the visual space between microcosm and macrocosm. Curator: Indeed, there is a fascinating discourse at play concerning identity. During this time in Japan, certain individuals were excluded from demonstrating status overtly. Instead, they manifested personal expression and affluence through what they carried. A piece such as this reflects artistic choices tied to cultural complexities around class, gender and privilege. Editor: It’s almost as if the owner is carrying a piece of poetry with them—the sound of rustling maple leaves and a flowing stream are instantly brought to mind. Imagine its textures in your hand…a silky-smooth lacquer broken by sharp details, and glimmers of light with every turn! Also, can we take a second to consider the artist and his inspiration? Curator: Well, Ogata Kōrin was part of a vital artistic lineage that sought to reinvent classical themes. It is fascinating how someone situated firmly within artistic tradition also engaged with cultural critique through visual language. Editor: Thanks for your expertise! I’m captivated now by the tension between private luxury and cultural commentary… art history gives pieces new stories and layers every time. Curator: It all illustrates, of course, how objects, even miniature ones, have complex sociopolitical reverberations.