Case (Inrō) with Design of Cranes Standing Beneath a Gnarled Pine Tree and Netsuke Depicting Yoshitsune and Benkei 18th century

This 18th-century inrō (a small, tiered box worn by men as a container for personal items) by Hogen Kosen is a beautiful example of Japanese lacquerware. Crafted from black lacquer, the inrō depicts two cranes standing beneath a gnarled pine tree, a popular motif in Japanese art that symbolizes longevity and good fortune. The delicate gold details on the cranes and tree are an example of the skillful use of maki-e, a technique of decorating lacquer with gold and silver powder. The inrō also features a netsuke (a small, decorative object used to secure the inrō to a sash), which depicts the legendary warriors Yoshitsune and Benkei. This netsuke further enhances the inrō's decorative appeal, making it a prized example of 18th-century Japanese art.