Inrō with God of Longevity (Jurōjin) and a Stag (obverse) and Long-Tailed Turtle (Minogame) under Bamboo (reverse) 1767 - 1833

This Inrō was made by an artist from the Somada School. These artists were known for using materials like gold lacquer, inlaid with shell and metal. This particular Inrō is an exquisite example of craftsmanship, with a frame intricately decorated with geometric patterns. The main image is made up of a depiction of Jurōjin, the God of Longevity, with a stag on one side, and a long-tailed turtle under bamboo on the other. The work is made through precise and complex techniques of layering and joining. Notice how the artist uses shell and metal to emphasize texture, weight, and the play of light, as well as the smooth surface of the lacquer. The process of making an object like this would involve a division of labor, with different artisans responsible for preparing the materials and executing the various stages of the design. By looking closely at objects like this, we gain a deeper appreciation of the history of making, and the ways in which craft and design are deeply intertwined with broader social and economic forces.