Case (Inrō) with a Fox from the Kyōgen Play The Fox Hunter (Tsurigitsune); Hunter behind Haystacks from the Kyōgen Play "Hakuzōsu" (reverse)
19th century
Medium
Gold and silver maki-e with colored lacquer on black lacquer Ojime: gilded metal with fox-monk Netuske: Lacquer oval box with diamond floral design (signed Kiyoharu)
Dimensions
3 11/16 x 2 1/16 x 1 1/8 in. (9.4 x 5.2 x 2.9 cm)
Classification
Inrō
Culture & Period
Japan · Meiji period (1868–1912)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
Accession Number
36.100.252
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *inrō* (a small, lacquered case for carrying personal items like medicines or seals in a kimono sleeve) was crafted by Shibata Zeshin, one of Japan's greatest lacquer artists of the 19th century. Working during the Meiji period1868–1912), Zeshin mastered *maki-e* techniquessprinkling fine gold and silver powders onto wet black lacquer, then layering colored lacquers for vivid depth and luminosity. At just 3 11/16 inches tall, this compact masterpiece exemplifies the refined elegance of Japanese decorative arts, blending functionality with artistry. The front depicts a sly fox f...
About the Artist
Shibata Zeshin · 1807–1891
Japanese, 1807–1891