Case (Inrō) with Design of Mount Fuji (obverse); Dragon in Clouds and Waves (reverse) 19th century

This 19th century Japanese inrō, a type of small case traditionally worn suspended from a sash, was made by Gantai, a renowned lacquer artist of the Edo period. This inrō, crafted from black lacquer with a wood core, features a detailed carving of Mount Fuji on the obverse and a dragon in clouds and waves on the reverse. The inrō’s intricate carvings are a testament to Gantai’s exceptional skill in the art of lacquerwork, reflecting the high artistic standards of the Edo period. The inrō is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.