Case (Inrō) with Design of Six Immortal Poets

Art Historical Context

This exquisite inrō, or portable case, was crafted by the renowned Kajikawa School during Japan’s Edo period (1615–1868), a time when such lacquer containers served as elegant accessories for men of the samurai and merchant classes. Worn suspended from the sash by a cord secured with an ojime bead and netsuke toggle, inrō typically held seals, medicines, or fragrant herbs. The Kajikawa artists specialized in refined lacquer techniques, and this piece exemplifies their mastery through its intricate surface. The decoration features the Six Immortal Poets (Rokkasen), celebrated figures from classical Japanese literature known for their waka poetry. Rendered in gold and silver maki-e—where powdered metals are sprinkled onto wet lacquer—the design incorporates raised relief in black and red lacquer along with shimmering mother-of-pearl inlays. These layered techniques create a luminous, tactile surface that catches the light beautifully. Complementing the case are a bronze ojime depicting the Zen patriarch Bodhidharma and a carved lacquer netsuke showing Chinese children amid auspicious symbols, blending Japanese literary themes with broader East Asian motifs. Such works highlight the Edo period’s fusion of utility, literature, and exquisite craftsmanship, transforming everyday objects into miniature works of art treasured by collectors today.