Four-case inro showing two birds seated on branch of tree by Jōkasai VIII

Four-case inro showing two birds seated on branch of tree c. 19th century

3d printed part

sculpture

japan

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

stoneware

ceramic

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

statue

This 19th-century inro by Jōkasai VIII is a four-case, rectangular box with a rope handle. The inro, a traditional Japanese container for personal items, is decorated with the intricate technique of maki-e, using lacquer and gold and silver powders. The design features two birds perched on a branch of a tree, their feathers meticulously rendered in black lacquer. The inro also features a branch of flowers, adding a touch of vibrant color to the composition. This exquisite inro showcases the skilled craftsmanship of Jōkasai VIII, a prominent lacquer artist of the Edo period, and offers a glimpse into the artistry and functionality of traditional Japanese accessories.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This medicine container (inrō) shows two sets of delicately rendered birds sitting on the branches of a blossoming cherry tree. Though the background has dulled with age, at one point the bright silver (ginji) ground would have shone vividly. This was achieved by coating a granular dusting of silver onto the wet lacquer, and once dried, grinding and shining the surface. The gold maki-e detailing in the blossoms of the cherry trees and inquisitive eyes of the birds offers a striking contrast to the dusk background.