Case (Inrō) with Design of Bishamon on Clouds Pursuing Demon (Oni) Holding Sacred Gem

Art Historical Context

This stunning 17th-century *inrō*—a compact, multi-tiered lacquer case worn by Japanese men on a silk cord from the belt to hold medicines, seals, or tobacco—hails from Japan's Edo period (16151868), an era of peace and refined craftsmanship. Produced by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the intricate lacquerware (urushi) traditions that flourished in urban centers like Edo (modern Tokyo), where such accessories became fashionable status symbols for samurai and merchants. The design vividly captures Bishamon, the warrior god of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), soaring on clouds in pursuit of a red-skinned oni (demon) clutching a sacred gem, likely the wish-granting Cintamani jewel from Buddhist lore. This dynamic scene symbolizes the triumph of divine protection over chaos. Crafted with masterful techniques—polished black roiro and rubbed fundame lacquers for a glossy sheen, gold and silver hiramakie (flat-sprinkled powders) for shimmering details, tortoiseshell inlays, and a pearlescent nashiji interior—the inrō measures just 2⅝ × 2⅛ × ⅞ inches, showcasing the precision of Maki-e artisans. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's H.O. Havemeyer Collection, this piece highlights lacquer's cultural prestige in Edo Japan, blending mythology, functionality, and artistry into a wearable treasure. Visitors, imagine slipping it onto your obi for a stroll through historic Kyoto!