Case (Inrō) with Design of God of Longevity (Jurōjin) and a Small Boy with a Tortoise (obverse); Pine Tree by Stream (reverse) 19th century

This 19th-century inrō, a traditional Japanese container for small items, was crafted by Kakōsai. The inrō's design showcases the God of Longevity, Jurōjin, and a young boy with a tortoise on the obverse. The reverse depicts a serene landscape with a pine tree by a stream. This exquisite example of Japanese lacquerware employs intricate gold and silver techniques, highlighting the skill and artistry of the craftsman. The inrō would have been worn by a well-to-do individual as a symbol of good fortune and long life, and is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.