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

This Inrō, or traditional Japanese case, and netsuke, were made by Hogen Kosen out of lacquer, wood, and metal. The Inrō's smooth, glossy surface is the result of applying many layers of lacquer, a painstaking process involving skilled craftsmanship. Its dark, lustrous finish, embellished with the gold cranes and pine, speaks to a culture valuing refinement and meticulous detail. The netsuke is carved from wood, its design depicts Yoshitsune and Benkei. The himotoshi are functional yet beautifully integrated elements. The Inrō’s design of cranes beneath a gnarled pine is a visual representation of longevity, and good fortune. The creation of objects like this case often involved multiple artisans, each specializing in a particular aspect of production, from the lacquer work to carving. Considering this division of labor allows us to appreciate the collaborative nature of craft. It also highlights the social and economic contexts in which such intricate and valuable items were produced and consumed.